Led light source

ABSTRACT

A LED light source includes a longitudinally extending light guide, at least one LED, and a diffuser. The light guide has a first longitudinally extending light emitting face. The light emitting face having a first end face, a longitudinally spaced apart second end face, and first and second side faces extending between the first and second end faces. The at least one LED is provided at the first end face. The diffuser includes a central panel that is spaced from and facing the first light emitting face. A LED light source having a reflector facing a rear face of the light guide is also disclosed.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of LED light sources and apparatusincluding the same.

INTRODUCTION

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emitslight when activated. Generally, LEDs have lower energy consumption andlonger lifespans as compared with traditional light sources, such asincandescent and halogen lights.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a LED light source is provided. The LED light source, mayinclude a longitudinally extending first light guide, a housing, and acartridge. The first light guide having a longitudinally extending lightemitting face, the light emitting face having a first end face and alongitudinally spaced apart second end face. The housing having a firstrecess, the recess having a first side proximate the first end face ofthe first light guide and a longitudinally spaced apart opposed face,the first recess extending generally transverse to the first light guidefrom an insertion end to a transversely spaced apart inner end. Thecartridge slideably receivable in the first recess and having aplurality of LEDs on a first face of the cartridge, the first faceextending generally transverse to the first light guide when thecartridge has been inserted into the first recess, the first face havingan inner end and an outer end. The cartridge may be movable from aninsertion position in which the inner end of the first face of thecartridge is spaced from the first side of the first recess when theinner end of the first face of the cartridge is positioned at theinsertion end, to an inserted position in which the first face of thecartridge is adjacent the first side of the first recess when thecartridge is inserted into the first recess.

In some embodiment, the LED light source further includes a biasingmember biasing the cartridge to the inserted position.

In some embodiments, the first recess includes a cam member whereby, asthe cartridge is inserted into the first recess, the cartridge is guidedtowards the inserted position.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a biasingmember biasing the cartridge to the inserted position.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is rigid and the biasing member isprovided at the inner end of the first recess whereby a biasing forceprovided by the biasing member when the cartridge is in the insertedposition biases the outer end of the cartridge to a position proximatethe light guide.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a drivingmember moveably mounted in the housing and driving the cartridge from aposition in which the first face of the cartridge is spaced from thefirst side of the first recess to the inserted position.

In some embodiments, the LEDs are provided only on the first face of thecartridge.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a secondlight guide having an first end face and a longitudinally extendinglight emitting face, wherein the first recess has a third side proximatethe first end face of the second light guide and the LEDs are alsoprovided on a second face of the cartridge, wherein when the cartridgeis in the inserted position, the second face of the cartridge isadjacent the third side of the first recess.

In some embodiments, the light guides extend in different directions.

In some embodiments, the light guides extend in different directionsthat re about 90° apart.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes a heat sink.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes the heat sink.

In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes a substrate, theLEDs are provided on the substrate and the substrate is removable fromthe heat sink.

In some embodiments, the heat sink is provided in the housing and thecartridge has a side in thermal contact with the heat sink when thecartridge is in the inserted position.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a secondlight guide extending in the same direction as the first light guide,the second light guide having a first end face and a longitudinallyextending light emitting face oriented in the same direction as thelight emitting face of the first light guide, and the housing furtherincludes a second recess which slideably receives another cartridgehaving LEDs on a face thereof.

In some embodiments, the second recess is positioned proximate the firstrecess and, when inserted the LEDs of the first cartridge face anopposed direction to the LEDs of the second cartridge.

In some embodiments, the second recess is positioned spaced from thefirst recess and, when inserted the LEDs of the first cartridge face afirst direction and the LEDs of the second cartridge face the firstdirection.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a secondrecess positioned at the second end face of the first light emittingmember and, when inserted, the LEDs of the first cartridge face anopposed direction to the LEDs of the second cartridge.

In another aspect, a LED light source is provided. The LED light sourceincludes a longitudinally extending first light guide, a housing, and acartridge. The first light guide has a longitudinally extending lightemitting face, the light emitting face having a first end face and alongitudinally spaced apart second end face. The housing has a firstside proximate the first end face of the first light guide. Thecartridge is mountable to the first side of the housing and has at leastone LED on a first face of the cartridge, the first face extendinggenerally transverse to the first light guide when the cartridge hasbeen mounted to the housing. When the cartridge is mounted to the firstside of the housing, the first face of the cartridge is adjacent thefirst end face.

In some embodiments, the cartridge has mechanical engagement memberswhich are releasably securable to mating mechanical engagement membersof the housing.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include at leastone screw member that releasably secures the cartridge to the first sideof the housing.

In some embodiments, the screw members are non-removably secured to thehousing.

In another aspect, a LED light bulb is provided. The LED light bulb mayinclude an engagement end electrically connectable to a socket; ahousing having a light transmitting surface and an interior; and, acartridge removably receivable in the interior and having a plurality ofLEDs.

In some embodiments, the LED light bulb has a first recess, the recesshaving an insertion end proximate an outer surface of the LED light bulband a longitudinally spaced apart inner end and the cartridge isslideably receivable in the first recess.

In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs are provided on a first faceof the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the LEDs are provided on a plurality of faces ofthe cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is generally cylindrical in shape.

In some embodiments, the recess is provided in the engagement end.

In some embodiments, the recess is provided in the housing.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a light guide and the LEDs arepositioned against an end of the light guide when installed in the LEDlight bulb.

In some embodiments, all of an exterior of the housing is made of amaterial having a light transmitting surface.

In some embodiments, the LED light bulb is in the shape of anincandescent or halogen light bulb.

In another aspect, a LED light source is provided. The LED light sourcemay include a longitudinally extending light guide having alongitudinally extending light emitting face having a length, a firstend face and a longitudinally spaced apart second end face and a LEDlight source is provided at least at the first end face. The lightemitting face has a plurality of light emitting locations providedthereon. The density of the light emitting locations increases from thefirst end face towards the second end face.

In some embodiments, a first LED light source is provided at the firstend face and a second LED light source is provided at the second endface wherein the density of the light emitting locations increases fromeach of the first end face and the second end face to a middle of thelight emitting face.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations are positioned toprovide a generally even level of illumination along the length of thelight emitting surface.

In some embodiments, a level of illumination provided at the middle ofthe light emitting surface is ±20% of a level of illumination providedat the first end face.

In some embodiments, a level of illumination provided at the middle ofthe light emitting surface is ±10% of a level of illumination providedat the first end face.

In some embodiments, an image is provided in front of at least a portionof the light emitting face and the light emitting locations arepositioned such that a person viewing the image views a generally evenlyilluminated image.

In some embodiments, the image has at least area that has at least oneof a different colour or a different density of the image and the lightemitting locations are positioned such that a person viewing the imageviews a generally evenly illuminated image.

In some embodiments, the LED light source is provided only at the firstend face wherein the density of the light emitting locations increasesfrom the first end face to the second end face.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations are positioned toprovide a generally even level of illumination along the length of thelight emitting surface.

In some embodiments, a level of illumination provided at the second endface of the light emitting surface is ±20% of a level of illuminationprovided at the first end face.

In some embodiments, a level of illumination provided at the second endface of the light emitting surface is ±10% of a level of illuminationprovided at the first end face.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations comprisediscontinuities provided in the light emitting face.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations comprise a lightscattering material applied to the light emitting surface.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations comprise a fluorescentmaterial.

In another aspect, a frame for a work of art is provided. The frame mayinclude at least one side panel extending around a perimeter anddefining an inner opening in which the work of art is displayable. Theat least one side panel may include a longitudinally extending lightguide having a longitudinally extending light emitting face that facesinwards towards another portion of the at least one side panel. Thelongitudinally extending light emitting face has a length, a first endface and a longitudinally spaced apart second end face and a LED lightsource is provided at least at the first end face. The light emittingface has a plurality of light emitting locations provided thereon. Thedensity of the light emitting locations increases from the first endface towards the second end face.

In some embodiments, the fame is in the shape of a parallelogram andincludes four side panels, each of which includes a longitudinallyextending light guide having a light emitting face that faces onwards.

In some embodiments, each light emitting face has an inner sidepositioned proximate a plane in which the work of art seats when mountedin the frame and a spaced apart outer side and the inner side isposition forward of the plane.

In some embodiments, the light emitting face has an inner sidepositioned proximate a plane in which the work of art seats when mountedin the frame and a spaced apart outer side and the inner side isposition forward of the plane.

In some embodiments, a first LED light source is provided at the firstend face and a second LED light source is provided at the second endface wherein the density of the light emitting locations increases fromeach of the first end face and the second end face to a middle of thelight emitting face.

In some embodiments, the LED light source is provided only at the firstend face wherein the density of the light emitting locations increasesfrom the first end face to the second end face.

In another aspect, a backlight frame for a work of art is provided. Thebacklight frame may include a frame member extending around a perimeterand defining an inner opening in which the work of art is displayable,and a longitudinally extending light guide positioned rearward of theopening and facing towards the opening. The longitudinally extendinglight guide has a longitudinally extending light emitting face having alength, a first end face and a longitudinally spaced apart second endface and a LED light source is provided at least at the first end face.The light emitting face has a plurality of light emitting locationsprovided thereon. The density of the light emitting locations increasesfrom the first end face towards the second end face.

In some embodiments, a first LED light source is provided at the firstend face and a second LED light source is provided at the second endface wherein the density of the light emitting locations increases fromeach of the first end face and the second end face to a middle of thelight emitting face.

In some embodiments, the LED light source is provided only at the firstend face wherein the density of the light emitting locations increasesfrom the first end face to the second end face.

In some embodiments, the work of art that transmits light is provided infront of at least a portion of the light emitting face and the lightemitting locations are positioned such that a person viewing the work ofart views a generally evenly illuminated work of art.

In some embodiments, the work of art has at least area that has at leastone of a different colour or a different density of the image and thelight emitting locations are positioned such that a person viewing thework of art views a generally evenly illuminated work of art.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations comprise a fluorescentmaterial.

In another aspect, a frame for a work of art is provided. The frame mayinclude at least one side panel defining an inner opening in which thework of art is displayable, the inner opening extending in a plane, theat least one side panel including a longitudinally extending light guidehaving a longitudinally extending light emitting face that faces inwardstowards the inner opening in a direction generally parallel to theplane. The light emitting face has an inner side positioned proximatethe plane and a spaced apart outer side and at least one LED providing alight source for the light guide.

In some embodiments, the inner side of the light emitting face is spacedfrom the plane.

In some embodiments, the inner side of the light emitting face is spacedfrom 0.25 to 1 inch from the plane.

In some embodiments, the light guide has a first end face and alongitudinally spaced apart second end face and the light source isprovided at least at the first end face.

In some embodiments, a first light source is provided at the first endface and a second light source is provided at the second end face.

In some embodiments, the fame is in the shape of a parallelogram andincludes four side panels, each of which includes a longitudinallyextending light guide having a longitudinally extending light emittingface that faces inwards towards the inner opening in a directiongenerally parallel to the plane, each light emitting face has an innerside positioned proximate the plane and a spaced apart outer side.

In some embodiments, the light emitting faces are positioned forward ofthe plane.

In some embodiments, the fame includes a plurality of side panels whichmeet at corners, at least some of the side panels comprise alongitudinally extending light guide having a longitudinally extendinglight emitting face that faces inwards towards the inner opening in adirection generally parallel to the plane, each light emitting face hasa first end face and a longitudinally spaced apart second end face andthe light source is provided at least at the first end face, wherein thelight sources are provided in corners of the parallelogram.

In some embodiments, the fame is in the shape of a parallelogram, eachof the side panels includes a longitudinally extending light guide andthe light sources are provided in the corners of the parallelogram.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include a sensor that detectsa condition in a space in front of a location in which the frame islocated and a controller that adjusts at least one of a level ofintensity of light emitted by the light source and the colour of lightemitted by the light source based upon a signal provided by the sensor.

In some embodiments, the condition includes at least one of a level ofillumination, a colour of illumination, motion of a body, a noise level,a signal issued by a person.

In some embodiments, the light source includes LEDs of at least twodifferent colours.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include a manually actuatableswitch operatively connected to the light source wherein operation ofthe switch adjusts at least one of a level of intensity of light emittedby the light source and the colour of light emitted by the light sourcebased upon a signal provided by the switch.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include an energy storagemember.

In some embodiments, the energy storage member includes a rechargeablebattery.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is operable to selectivelyemit one or more colours of light.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is operable to selectivelyilluminate part of a work of art placed in the fame.

In another aspect, a backlight frame for a work of art is provided. Thebacklight frame may include a frame member that defines an inner openingin which the work of art is displayable, the inner opening extending ina plane, and a longitudinally extending light guide positioned rearwardof the opening and facing towards the opening. The longitudinallyextending light guide has a longitudinally extending light emitting facespaced rearward of the plane and having a length, a first end face and alongitudinally spaced apart second end face and a LED light source isprovided at least at the first end face.

In some embodiments, the light emitting face is spaced rearward from theplane.

In some embodiments, the light emitting face is spaced from 0.25 to 1inch from the plane.

In some embodiments, the light guide has a first end face and alongitudinally spaced apart second end face and the LED light source isprovided at least at the first end face.

In some embodiments, a first light source is provided at the first endface and a second light source is provided at the second end face.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include a sensor that detectsa condition in a space in front of a location in which the frame islocated and a controller that adjusts at least one of a level ofintensity of light emitted by the light source and the colour of lightemitted by the light source based upon a signal provided by the sensor.

In some embodiments, the condition includes at least one of a level ofillumination, a colour of illumination, motion of a body, a noise level,a signal issued by a person.

In some embodiments, the light source includes LEDs of at least twodifferent colours and

In some embodiments, the frame may further include a manually actuatableswitch operatively connected to the light source wherein operation ofthe switch adjusts at least one of a level of intensity of light emittedby the light source and the colour of light emitted by the light sourcebased upon a signal provided by the switch.

In some embodiments, the frame may further include an energy storagemember.

In some embodiments, the energy storage member includes a rechargeablebattery.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is operable to selectivelyemit one or more colours of light.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is operable to selectivelyilluminate part of a work of art placed in the fame.

In another aspect, a LED light source is provided. The LED light sourcemay include a longitudinally extending light guide, at least one LED,and a diffuser. The longitudinally extending light guide may have afirst longitudinally extending light emitting face, the first lightemitting face having a first end face, a longitudinally spaced apartsecond end face, and first and second side faces extending between thefirst and second end faces. The at least one LED is provided at thefirst end face. The diffuser includes a central panel that is spacedfrom and facing the first light emitting face.

In some embodiments, the central panel of the diffuser is positionedfrom 0.25 to 3 inches from the light emitting surface.

In some embodiments, the diffuser is composed of at least one ofacrylic, polypropylene and polycarbonate, wherein the diffuser is atleast translucent.

In some embodiments, the diffuser extends over the first and second sidefaces and the light emitting face.

In some embodiments, the diffuser is white.

In some embodiments, the central panel has a first end, a longitudinallyspaced apart second end, and first and second sides each of whichextends longitudinally between the first and second ends, and thediffuser further includes a first side panel extending between the firstand second ends the central panel and provided on the first side of thecentral panel and a second side panel extending between the first andsecond ends the central panel and provided on the second side of thecentral panel.

In some embodiments, the light guide has a second light emitting facespaced from and opposed to the first light emitting face and facing in adirection opposed to a direction that the first light emitting memberfaces.

In some embodiments, the light guide has a longitudinally extending rearface spaced from and opposed to the first light emitting face, and theLED light source further includes a reflector facing the rear face.

In some embodiments, the reflector is spaced from the rear face.

In some embodiments, the reflector abuts the rear face.

In some embodiments, the reflector has a surface facing the rear face,wherein the surface is provided with a white coating.

In some embodiments, the white coating includes titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include an imageprovided in front of the light emitting face, the image having at leastone portion that has one or more of a different colour or lighttransmissivity, wherein a surface of the reflector facing the lightguide has more than one colour and the colours are positioned to enhancethe image when viewed by a user.

In some embodiments, a portion of the reflector has a colour selected toincrease the visibility of the portion of the image.

In some embodiments, the reflector has a surface facing the rear face,wherein the surface is provided with a UV paint or fluorescent paint.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is operable to selectivelyemit one or more colours of light.

In another aspect, a LED light source is provided. The LED light sourceincludes a longitudinally extending light guide, at least one LED, and areflector. The longitudinally extending light guide having a firstlongitudinally extending light emitting face, a longitudinally extendingrear face spaced from and opposed to the first light emitting face, thefirst light emitting face having a first end face, a longitudinallyspaced apart second end face, and first and second side faces extendingbetween the first and second end faces. The at least one LED is providedat the first end face. The reflector faces the rear face.

In some embodiments, the reflector is spaced from the rear face.

In some embodiments, the reflector abuts the rear face.

In some embodiments, the reflector has a surface facing the rear face,wherein the surface is provided with a white coating.

In some embodiments, the white coating includes titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the white reflector has a surface facing the rearface, wherein the surface is provided with a UV paint.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include an imageprovided in front of the light emitting face, the image having at leastone portion that has one or more of a different colour or lighttransmissivity, wherein a surface of the reflector facing the lightguide has more than one colour and the colours are positioned to enhancethe image when viewed by a user.

In some embodiments, a portion of the reflector has a colour selected toincrease the visibility of the portion of the image.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED is operable to selectivelyemit one or more colours of light.

In another aspect, a LED light source is provided including alongitudinally extending light guide, and a power supply. Thelongitudinally extending light guide has a first end face and alongitudinally spaced apart second end face and at least one LEDprovided at the first end face. The power supply includes a plurality ofbatteries operatively connected to the at least one LED in a first modein which the power supply provides a first power to the at least one LEDand a second mode in which the power supply provides a second powerdifferent to the first power to the at least one LED.

In some embodiments, in the first mode, two or more of the batteries areconnected in series.

In some embodiments, in the second mode, two or more of the batteriesare connected in parallel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of batteries comprise a first batteryand a second battery and, in the first mode, the first and secondbatteries are connected in series.

In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first and second thebatteries are connected in parallel.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a circuitwhich includes a sensor and the power supply whereby, when the sensorsenses a condition, the sensor issues a signal which causes the powersupply to change from the first mode to the second mode.

In some embodiments, the sensor includes a motion sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor includes a noise sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor includes a light intensity sensor.

In some embodiments, the LED light source may further include a manuallyoperable switch operatively connected to the power supply, the switchhaving a first position in which the power supply is in the first modeand a second position in which the power supply is in the second mode.

In another aspect, a LED light source is provided. The LED light sourceincludes a circuit including a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are connectedin parallel and each of the plurality of LEDs is individuallyelectrically connected to the circuit by a meltable electricallyconductive member.

In some embodiments, the meltable electrically conductive memberincludes fuse wire.

In some embodiments, the meltable electrically conductive member meltsat a temperature corresponding to a temperature produced by a currentdrawn by a failed LED through the meltable electrically conductivemember.

In some embodiments, the meltable electrically conductive member meltsat a temperature above about 80 C.

In some embodiments, the meltable electrically conductive memberincludes fuse wire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED light source in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the LED light source of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1 andshowing a cartridge in an inserted position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1 andshowing the cartridge in an insertion position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1 andshowing the cartridge being removed;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a housing end member in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 8,showing the cartridge in an inserted position;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 8,showing the cartridge in an insertion position;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 8,showing the cartridge being removed;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an LED light source having thehousing end member of FIG. 8, and showing the cartridge in an insertedposition.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a housing end member in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 13B is an exploded view of the housing end member of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13A,showing a cartridge in an inserted position and a driving member in afirst position;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13A,showing the cartridge in an insertion position and the driving member ina second position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the housing end member of FIG. 13Ashowing the driving member in the second position and the cartridgeremoved;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a housing end member in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 17,showing a cartridge in an inserted position and a driving member in afirst position;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 17,showing the cartridge in an insertion position and the driving member ina second position;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an LED light source in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member, taken alongline 22-22 in FIG. 20, showing a cartridge in an inserted position and adriving member in a first position;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member, taken alongline 23-23 in FIG. 20, showing the cartridge in the inserted positionand the driving member in the first position;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member, taken alongline 23-23 in FIG. 20, showing the cartridge in the inserted positionand the driving member in an intermediate position;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member, taken alongline 23-23 in FIG. 20, showing the cartridge in the inserted positionand the driving member in a second position;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 20, showing the driving member in the second position andthe cartridge removed;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an LED light source in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 27;

FIGS. 29-30 are cross-sectional views of the housing end member, takenalong line 29-29 in FIG. 27, showing a cartridge in the insertedposition and a driving member in a first position;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member, taken alongline 29-29 in FIG. 27, showing the cartridge in the inserted positionand the driving member in a second position;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 27, showing the driving member in the second position andthe cartridge removed;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of an LED light source in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of a housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the housing end member of FIG. 34 in anopen condition;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a housing end member in a closedcondition in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the housing end member of FIG. 36 in anopen condition;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an LED light source including thehousing end member of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a housing end member in a closedcondition, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 40-41 are perspective views of the housing end member of FIG. 39in an open condition;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of an LED light source in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 43 is an exploded view of a housing end member of the LED lightsource of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 43showing a cartridge in an inserted position;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 43showing the cartridge in an insertion position;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the housing end member of FIG. 43showing the cartridge being removed;

FIG. 47 is a schematic view of a LED light source including onecartridge in one housing end member, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of a LED light source including onecartridge in each of two housing end members, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of a LED light source including twocartridges in one housing end member, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 50 is a schematic view of a LED light source including fourcartridges in three housing end members, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 51 is a schematic view of a LED light source including fourcartridges in four housing end members, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 52 is a schematic view of a LED light source including fourcartridges in two housing end members, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a schematic view of a LED light source including eightcartridges in two housing end members, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 54 is a schematic view of a LED light source including fourcartridges in two housing end members, each housing end member includinga heat sink, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as alightbulb in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 56 is an exploded view of the LED light source of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 57-57 in FIG. 55showing an open condition and a cartridge removed;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 57-57 in FIG. 55showing a closed condition;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 57-57 in FIG. 55showing the open condition;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 60 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 62-62 in FIG. 60;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 63 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 65-65 in FIG. 63;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 66 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 68-68 in FIG. 66;

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 69 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 71-71 in FIG. 69;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 72 with adiffuser removed;

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 74-74 in FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 75 with adiffuser removed;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 77-77 in FIG. 75;

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 78 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 80-80 in FIG. 78;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 81 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 83-83 in FIG. 81;

FIG. 84 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 84 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 86-86 in FIG. 84;

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of a LED light source formed as a lightbulb in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 87 withtwo cartridges removed;

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 89-89 in FIG. 87;

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of a LED light source in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 90 with acartridge removed;

FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 92-92 in FIG. 90;

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 93-93 in FIG. 90;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of a LED light source in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 95 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 94 withthree cartridges removed;

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 94;

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 97-97 in FIG. 94;

FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a LED light source in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 99 is a perspective view of the LED light source of FIG. 98 withthree cartridges removed;

FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 98;

FIG. 101 is a perspective view of a LED light source including amounting member, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 101;

FIG. 103 is an exploded view of the cross-section of FIG. 102;

FIG. 104 is a perspective view of a LED light source including amounting member in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 105 is a perspective view of a LED light source including amounting member in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 101 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of a LED light source including amounting member in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 108 is an exploded view of the cross-section of FIG. 107;

FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a frame in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 110 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 109 with abacking removed;

FIG. 111 is an exploded view of the frame of FIG. 109;

FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 109, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 113A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG.109, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 113B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG.109 in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 114 is a schematic view of a frame in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 115 is an enlarged portion of one of the corners of the schematicof FIG. 114;

FIGS. 116-132 are partial cross-sectional and cross-sectionalperspective views taken along line E-E in FIG. 109, in accordance withvarious embodiments;

FIG. 133 is an exploded view of the frame of FIG. 109 in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 134 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 109 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 135 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG.109, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 136 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG.109, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 137-139 are schematic views of a frame in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 140 is an exploded view of the frame of FIG. 139;

FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional view of a LED light source in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 142 is a cross-sectional view of a LED light source in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 143 is an exploded view of a LED light source in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 144 is an exploded view of a LED light source in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 145 is a side view of a LED light source in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 146 is a side view of a LED light source in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 147 is an exploded view of a frame in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 148 is a partial cross-sectional view of the frame of FIG. 147;

FIG. 149 is another partial cross-sectional view of the frame of FIG.147;

FIG. 150 is a partial cross-sectional view of a frame showing acartridge in an inserted position, in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 151 is the partial cross-section of FIG. 150 showing the cartridgebeing removed;

FIG. 152 is a schematic illustration of a circuit of an LED light sourcein accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 153A is a schematic illustration of another circuit of an LED lightsource, showing energy storage members connected in parallel;

FIG. 153B is the schematic illustration of FIG. 153 showing the energystorage members connected in series;

FIG. 154 is a perspective view of a frame in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 155 is a schematic view of a circuit of a LED light source inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 156 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shelving unit inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 157 is a cross-sectional view of a shelving unit in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 158 is a cross-sectional view of a shelving unit in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 159 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shelving unitshowing a door in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 160 is the perspective cross-section of FIG. 159 showing the doorin an open position;

FIG. 161 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shelving unitshowing a door in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 162 is the perspective cross-section of FIG. 161 showing the doorin an open position;

FIG. 163 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shelving unitshowing a door in an open position and a shelf installed;

FIG. 164 is the perspective cross-section of FIG. 163 showing the shelfremoved;

FIG. 165 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shelving unit inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 166 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the shelving unit ofFIG. 165 showing a door in a closed position;

FIG. 167 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the shelving unit ofFIG. 165 showing the door in an open position;

FIG. 168 is a perspective view of a shelving unit in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 169 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line F-F inFIG. 168;

FIG. 170 is a perspective view of a shelving unit in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 171 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line G-G inFIG. 170;

FIG. 172 is a perspective view of a shelving unit in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 173 is a perspective view of a drawer in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 174 is a perspective view of a shelving unit in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 175 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 174;

FIGS. 176-177 are cross-sectional and perspective cross-sectional viewsof a LED light source in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 178 is a perspective view of a walkway in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 179 is a perspective view of a floor tile in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 180 is a front elevation view of a garage door in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 181 is a perspective view of a window in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 182 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line J-J in FIG.181;

FIG. 183 is a perspective view of a doorway in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 184 is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG. 183;

FIG. 185 is a perspective view of a staircase in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 186 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line L-L in FIG.185;

FIG. 187 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a closet in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 188 is a partial cross-sectional view of a closet in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 189 is a perspective view of a floor mat in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 190 is a side elevation view of the floor mat of FIG. 189 in a flatconfiguration;

FIG. 191 is a side elevation view of the floor mat of FIG. 189 in apartially rolled configuration;

FIG. 192 is a cross-sectional view of a food container supported on asupporting member, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 193 is a perspective view of an art display in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 194 is a cross-sectional view taken along line M-M in FIG. 193;

FIG. 195 is a perspective view of furniture in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 196 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line N-N inFIG. 195, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 197 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line N-N inFIG. 195, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 198 is a perspective view of furniture in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 199 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line P-P inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 200 is a perspective view of a bicycle equipped with an LED lightsource in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 201 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along like Q-Q in FIG.200;

FIG. 202 is a perspective view of a bicycle equipped with an LED lightsource in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 203 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line R-R in FIG.202;

FIG. 204 is a side elevation view of a user wearing a helmet having anLED light source in accordance with an embodiment; and,

FIG. 205 is a partial side elevation view of the user wearing the helmetof FIG. 204, showing a cross-section of the LED light source.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot intended to be limiting in any sense. The invention is widelyapplicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from thedisclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that thepresent invention may be practiced with modification and alterationwithout departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Althoughparticular features of the present invention may be described withreference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should beunderstood that such features are not limited to usage in the one ormore particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they aredescribed.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “theembodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “someembodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all)embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. Alisting of items does not imply that any or all of the items aremutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,”“an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be“coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, “joined” or “fastened” where theparts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly(i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a linkoccurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said tobe “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”,“directly joined”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connectedin physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more partsare said to be “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidlyattached”, “rigidly joined”, or “rigidly fastened” where the parts arecoupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientationrelative to each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”,“attached”, “joined”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which twoor more parts are joined together.

General Description of a LED Light Source

The following is a general description of a LED light source that mayuse any of the features disclosed herein and may be of variousconfigurations as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1 and 2 exemplify a LED light source 100 which includes a housing104, a light guide 108 having a light emitting face 112, and a cartridge116 having one or more LEDs. As exemplified herein. housing 104 may beof various designs which position cartridge 116 so as to emit light intoan end face 144 of light guide 108. Light guide 108 may be any lightguide known in the art. The light reflects internally as it travelslongitudinally within light guide 108 and re-emits from light emittinglocations 114 on light guide light emitting face 112 towards a subjectto be illuminated, such as artwork, advertising media, furniture, or anarea of an indoor or outdoor space.

Light emitting locations 114 may be formed in any manner suitable forcausing at least a portion of light that internally strikes the lightemitting locations 114 to emit from light guide light emitting face 112,or that causes light emission in response to light internally strikingthe light emitting locations 114. In some examples, light emittinglocations 114 may be spaced apart discontinuities (e.g. bumps or divots)or light scattering material that interrupt the internal reflection oflight within light guide 108, or photoluminescent spots (e.g.fluorescent or phosphorescent spots) that absorb internally incidentlight and then emit light outwardly.

Unidirectional Light Source

In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, which may be used withone or more other aspects disclosed herein, a LED light source 100 isprovided wherein light is inhibited from being emitted in one or moredirections. Accordingly, in some embodiments, LED light source 100 maypreferentially emit light in particular directions. For example, LEDlight source 100 may preferentially emit light in light emittingdirections 120, and emit substantially no light in non-light emittingdirections 124. An advantage of this design is that it allows the lightemitted by the LED light source 100 to be concentrated towards a subjectto be illuminated.

In one embodiment, light may not be emitted from a rear surface.Accordingly, as exemplified, light guide 108 may have a rear face 128opposed to light emitting face 112, and an opaque member, which may havea reflective surface, such as reflector 132, may overlie rear face 128.Reflector 132 may reflect light emitted from light guide rear face 128.For example, an LED light source 100 may be suspended from a ceiling toilluminate a room, and have a reflector 132 that prevents the LED lightsource 100 from illuminating the ceiling. Reflector 132 may also improvethe power efficiency of LED light source 100 by intensifying the lightdirected in light emitting directions 120.

Reflector 132 has a reflective surface 134 that faces light guide rearface 128 to reflect light escaping light guide rear face 128. Reflectivesurface 134 can be made of any reflective material. In some embodiments,reflective surface 134 includes a white coating. An advantage of thisdesign is that it allows reflector 132 to provide a neutral reflectionwith little or no effect on the color of the reflected light. In someembodiments, reflective surface 134 is coated with a highly reflectivecoating (e.g. greater than 90% reflectivity), such as titanium oxide.This can reduce light attenuation at the point of reflection to improvethe efficiency of the LED light source 100. As shown in FIG. 4,reflector 132 may be positioned with reflective surface 134 abuttinglight guide rear face 128. This can allow reflector 132 to reflect alllight emitting from light guide rear face 128. In some embodiments,reflective surface 134 is in physical contact with light guide rear face128.

Returning to FIG. 4, reflector 132 may be a component of housing 104.For example, reflector 132 may provide a rear wall of housing 104.Alternatively, reflector 132 may be a discrete component (separate fromhousing 104) that is positioned behind light guide rear face 128. Insome embodiments, reflector 132 is a reflective coating (e.g. paint)applied to light guide rear face 128.

In some embodiments, LED light source 100 does not include reflector132. An advantage of this design is that it allows LED light source 100to emit light in more directions, which can be desirable in some casessuch as to simultaneously illuminate a room below and ceiling art above.For example, light guide 108 may include light emitting locations 114 onboth of faces 112 and 128 so that light is emitted from both of faces112 and 128.

Diffuser

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a LED light source 100may be provided with a diffuser to soften the point effect of lightemitted from light emitting face 112. While the use of light emittinglocations 114 on light emitting face 112 may reduce the point effect oflight provided by a LED (as compared with the LED facing directlytowards the area to be illuminated) a diffuser may provide a more evendistribution of light.

Accordingly, as exemplified in FIG. 2, LED light source 100 may includea light transmitting surface 136 (also referred to herein as a diffuser)that overlays light guide 108 to further diffuse and soften the lightemitted by LED light source 100. Diffuser 136 is at least translucent(i.e. at least semi-transparent). In other words, diffuser 136 is notcompletely opaque. In the illustrated example, at least a portion ofdiffuser 136 is formed as a cover that is spaced apart from light guide108. This can allow the diffuser 136 to be relatively larger in areathan light guide light emitting face 112, which can thereby enhance thelight diffusion capability of diffuser 136. In the illustrated example,diffuser 136 is shown having a central panel 138 which is spaced apartfrom light guide light emitting face 112, and which extendslongitudinally between first and second diffuser ends 142 and 146.Diffuser central panel 138 may be spaced apart from light guide lightemitting face 112 by any distance sufficient to allow the light fromlight guide light emitting face 112 to disperse over central panel 138.For example, referring to FIG. 4, diffuser central panel 138 may bespaced apart from light guide light emitting face 112 by a distance 150of between about 0.25 to 3 inches.

Returning to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, diffuser 136 may be non-planar(e.g. curved or angular) which can further enhance the light diffusioncapability of diffuser 136 with additional surface area and lightemitting directions 120. In the illustrated embodiment, diffuser 136includes first and second sides 154 and 158 including first and seconddiffuser side panels 162 and 170, each of which extends between thefirst and second diffuser ends 142 and 146. As shown, first and seconddiffuser sides 154 and 158 are oriented at a (non-zero) angle todiffuser central panel 138. Together, diffuser central panel 138 anddiffuser sides 154 and 158 may form a concave inner diffuser surface 174that extends over the light guide light emitting face 112 and overlongitudinally extending light guide sides 178 and 182. An advantage ofthis design is that it can allow diffuser 136 to capture and diffuselight emitted by light guide 108 through face 112 and light that mayescape through light guide sides 178 and 182.

Diffuser 136 can be made of any material suitable for diffusing lightemitted by light guide 108. For example, diffuser 136 may be made of atleast one of acrylic, polypropylene, and polycarbonate. In someembodiments, the diffuser 136 may be white in color. This can reduce oreliminate the effect the diffuser 136 has on the color of the diffusedlight. In other embodiments, diffuser 136 may be intentionally non-whiteto provide a desired color effect.

In alternative embodiments, LED light source 100 may not include adiffuser 136 or other member that overlays light guide light emittingface 112. An advantage of this design is that it allows unfiltered lightto be focused on an object to be illuminated. A further advantage ofthis design is that it mitigates the light attenuation associated withdiffuser 136, and therefore improves the lighting efficiency of the LEDlight source 100.

Light Source with a Removable LED Cartridge

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a LED light source isprovided wherein the LEDs are removable so that they may be replacedwhen, e.g., one or more of the LEDs fails. For example, as exemplifiedherein, the LED light source may removable receive a cartridge 116 whichcomprises one or more LEDs.

As exemplified in FIG. 3, cartridge 116 may be removably receivable inhousing 104. An advantage of this design is that it allows cartridge 116to be removed, for repair or disposal, and replaced. This contrasts withtraditional light fixtures in which a disposable light tube is removablyconnected to a ceiling ballast. The light tube includes not only an LEDor fluorescent lighting module but also a diffusing covering, and othercomponents. LED light source 100 provides a reusable light guide 108(FIG. 2) and optional diffuser 136 which need not be disposed withcartridge 116. As a result, cartridge 116 is smaller, lighter, lessexpensive, and more environmentally friendly than the disposable lighttubes of traditional light fixtures. Cartridge 116 also provides greaterflexibility to the shape and physical configuration of LED light source100 because LED light source 100 need not be designed aroundaccommodating a long cylindrical light tube.

Cartridge 116 can be removably receivable in housing 104 in any mannerthat allows cartridge 116 to be powered and positioned to emit lightinto light guide 108 (FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, housing104 includes a recess 140 provided on an outer surface of the lightsource into which cartridge 116 is slideably receivable. This allowscartridge 116 to be conveniently inserted and removed from LED lightsource 100, without the need to disassemble the light source which canbe particularly significant where LED light source 100 is positioned indifficult-to-reach (e.g. high-up) areas or where there are many (e.g.dozens to thousands) of LED light sources 100 to maintain in a facility(e.g. an office building).

Returning to FIG. 2, light guide 108 extends longitudinally from a firstend face 144 to a second end face 148. Light guide 108 has alongitudinal length 152, a transverse width 156, and a thickness 160. Asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, cartridge 116 may include a plurality of LEDs164 which are positioned and oriented on a first cartridge face 166 thatextends transversely to light guide 108 to emit light into light guidefirst face 144 when cartridge 116 is received in housing 104. The lighttravels along longitudinal length 152 of light guide 108 and isre-emitted from light guide light emitting face 112 at light guide lightemitting locations. An advantage of this design is that cartridge 116may be sized according to light guide transverse width 156 instead oflight guide longitudinal length 152. This allows cartridge 116 to besmaller, lighter, and less expensive as compared with traditionaldisposable light tubes that are sized to extend substantially thelongitudinal length of the light fixture.

As exemplified in FIGS. 4 and 5, cartridge 116 may be slideablyreceivable in housing recess 140. As shown, housing recess 140 mayextend from an insertion end 168 transversely of light guide 108 to aninner end 172, and from a first side 176 longitudinally away from lightguide 108 to an opposed face 180. Housing recess insertion end 168 maydefine an insertion opening 184 sized to receive cartridge 116. In use,cartridge 116 may be moved transversely relative to the longitudinallength 152 of the light guide 108 from an insertion position (FIG. 6) toan inserted position (FIG. 5) and vice versa. As shown in FIG. 4, in theinserted position, light guide first end face 144 and cartridge firstface 166 abut housing recess first side 176 and face each other so thatLEDs 164 are oriented and positioned to emit light into light guide 108.As shown in FIG. 6, in the insertion position, cartridge first face 166is at least partially spaced apart from housing recess first side 176.From the insertion position (FIG. 6), cartridge 116 can be movedlongitudinally towards light guide 108 to the inserted position (FIG.5), or withdrawn from the housing 104 transversely through the housinginsertion opening 184 as seen in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that, inthe inserted position, the LEDs or the face of cartridge 116 facing thelight guide may contact the face of the light guide. Alternately, theymay be spaced apart.

Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, housing 104 may be configured to retaincartridge 116 in the inserted position, whereby LEDs 164 are positionedin close proximity to light guide first end face 144 for efficienttransmission of light from LEDs 164 into light guide 108. In someembodiments, when cartridge 116 is in the insertion position (FIG. 6),housing 104 may bias cartridge 116 to move to the inserted position(FIG. 5). For example, housing 104 may include a biasing member 188 thaturges cartridge 116 to move from the insertion position to the insertedposition. An advantage of this design is that it allows the housingrecess 140 to provide greater clearance for easy insertion of thecartridge 116 into housing recess 140. For example, housing recessopening 184 may have a longitudinal width 192 that is substantiallywider than the corresponding dimension 196 of cartridge 116, and biasingmember 188 may be relied upon to move cartridge 116 toward housingrecess first side 176, away from housing recess opposed face 180, toclose the gap between LEDs 164 and light guide first end face 144.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, in some embodiments, housing recess 140 maynarrow in longitudinal width between housing recess insertion opening184 and housing recess inner end 172. An advantage of this design isthat allows for a wide housing recess insertion opening 184 for easyinsertion of cartridge 116, and also guides cartridge 116 to move towardthe inserted position as the cartridge 116 is moved inwardly. In theillustrated example, the narrowing width of housing recess 140 iseffected by a cam 204 that defines a portion of housing recess opposedface 180 and that rises towards housing recess first side 176 betweenhousing recess insertion opening 184 and housing recess inner end 172.It will be appreciated that cartridge 116 may be moved manually into theinserted position shown in FIG. 5 or alternately a drive member, asdiscussed hereinafter, may be used.

As exemplified in FIGS. 5 and 6, cartridge 116 may be prevented frombeing withdrawn from housing recess 140 when in the inserted position.Instead, it may be required to move cartridge 116 to the insertionposition to release cartridge 116 from housing recess 140. An advantageof this design is that cartridge 116 is prevented from accidentalwithdrawal. Biasing member 188 may retain cartridge 116 in the insertedposition, whereby withdrawal of cartridge 116 is prevented, until adeliberate action (e.g. manual user action) is taken to move cartridge116 to the insertion position. In the insertion position, cartridge 116can be freely withdrawn.

Cartridge 116 may be prevented from withdrawal when in the insertedposition, in any manner. For example, each of housing 104 and cartridge116 may include a locking member 208, 212. Locking members 208 and 212can be any components which interact when cartridge 116 is in theinserted position to inhibit withdrawal of cartridge 116 from housingrecess 140. As exemplified, locking members 208 and 212 may includefaces that abut in the inserted position to obstruct withdrawal ofcartridge 116 from housing recess 140. In the illustrated example,housing locking member 208 is formed as a protrusion including an innerend face 216, cartridge locking member 212 is formed as a slot includingan inner end face 218, and end faces 216 and 218 abut when housinglocking member 208 is received in cartridge locking member 208 in theinserted position (FIG. 5) to prevent withdrawal of cartridge 116 fromhousing recess 140.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, biasing member 188 can take any form thaturges cartridge 116 from the insertion position to the insertedposition. In the illustrated embodiment, biasing member 188 is anelectrical contact that supplies electricity from a power source (e.g.an electrical wire 214 connected to an energy storage member or anelectrical wall plug) to cartridge 116 for powering LEDs 164. Anadvantage of this design is that the biasing member 188 performs doubleduty as a biasing member and electrical conductor thereby avoiding thecomplexity, weight, and expense of having a separate component act as abiasing member.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, biasing member 188 can apply a biasingforce to any portion of cartridge 116 that is suitable for urgingcartridge 116 to the inserted position (FIG. 5). In the illustratedembodiment, biasing member 188 is positioned in housing recess 140proximate housing recess inner end 172 to apply a biasing force to aninner end portion 216 of cartridge 116. An advantage of this design isthat biasing member 188 does not act upon cartridge 116 until cartridge116 is moved into the insertion position within housing recess 140. Thisallows LEDs 164 to align with light guide first end face 144 (FIG. 4)before biasing member 188 urges cartridge 116 into the insertedposition, for example.

In the illustrated example, cartridge 116 is substantially rigid. Forexample, cartridge 116 may include a rigid substrate 220 (e.g. a printedcircuit board) that defines cartridge first face 166, on which LEDs 164are arranged. As shown, biasing member 188 may urge cartridge first face166 to lay flat against housing recess first side 176. As a result,cartridge 116 is urged to rotate about cartridge inner end portion 216towards housing recess first side 176 (and light guide first end face144, FIG. 4). Thus, the rigidity of cartridge 116 may cooperate withbiasing member 188 to move cartridge 116 into the inserted position(FIG. 5) by application of the biasing force to cartridge inner endportion 216. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that housing recess cam204 helps to guide cartridge inner end portion 216 into engagement withbiasing member 188. This helps to prevent misalignment of cartridge 116when it is inserted into housing recess 140.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, LED light source 100 can include any housing104 suitable for holding light guide 108 and cartridge 116, andoptionally hold one or both of a reflector 132 and a diffuser 136. Forexample, housing 104 may hold these components in relative positionsthat allow for efficient transmission and distribution of light fromcartridge LEDs 164 to light emitting directions 120. In the illustratedexample, housing 104 includes first and second end members 224 (FIG. 1).Each housing end member 224 may include a light guide retention slot 228sized to receive an end portion 232 of light guide 108. In theillustrated example, retention slot 228 is sized to receive light guideend portion 232 and a reflector end portion 236. An advantage of thisdesign is that it allows housing 104 to hold reflector 132 against lightguide 108 for efficient light reflection. In the illustrated example,housing end member 224 includes a transversely extending sidewall 240and a transversely extending inner wall 250, which are spaced apart todefine retention slot 228.

Referring to FIG. 2, LED light source 100 can include any number ofcartridges 116. For example, LED light source 100 may include acartridge 116 removably receivable in each of the housing end members224. An advantage of this design is that it allows cartridges 116 toemit light into both light guide end faces 144 and 148, which may helpto more evenly distribute light emitted from light guide light emittingface 112, and reduce the average number of internal reflections in lightguide 108 for greater light transmission efficiency. In otherembodiments, LED light source 100 includes just one cartridge 116 thatis removably receivable in just one of housing end members 224. Anadvantage of this design is that LED light source 100 has only onecartridge 116 to replace which can reduce replacement time andmaintenance costs considerably in environments that have hundreds orthousands of LED light sources 100 installed (e.g. office buildings).

Turning to FIG. 3, housing end member 224 may include an end wall 248that defines housing recess opposed face 180. As shown, housing end wall248 may be connected to housing sidewall 240 in opposition to retentionslot 228. Housing end wall 248 may include housing recess cam 204 andbiasing member 188. Housing end wall 248 may be integrally formed withhousing sidewall 240, or discretely formed as shown and then permanentlyor removably connected to housing sidewall 240. In the illustratedexample, housing end wall 248 is connected to housing sidewall 240 withfasteners 252 (e.g., screws).

In several of the examples, the housing recess 140 is illustrated ashaving a housing insertion opening 184 on a lateral side of housingsidewall 240, which allows cartridge 116 to be inserted and removed in atransverse direction parallel to light guide light emitting face 112.However, it will be appreciated that housing insertion opening 184 maybe positioned elsewhere on housing sidewall 240 and that cartridge 116may be insertable in different directions. The position of housinginsertion opening 184 and cartridge insertion direction may be selectedbased on, for example the orientation of the LED light source 100 wheninstalled. For example, in some applications it may be preferable toposition housing insertion opening 184 for easiest user accessibility(for removing or inserting cartridge 116) or alternatively to concealcartridge 116 (for aesthetics or to avoid tampering).

As exemplified in FIGS. 42-46, insertion opening 184 may be positionedon an upper side 368 of housing sidewall 240. As shown, cartridge 116 ismoveable from an inserted position (FIG. 44) to an insertion position(FIG. 45), and then withdrawable through housing insertion opening 184in a direction normal to light guide light emitting face 112.

Heat Sink

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a heat sink may beprovided to assist in withdrawing head produced by the LEDs. Asexemplified in FIG. 7, the LED light source may include a heat sink 256thermally connected to cartridge substrate 220. The heat sink may bepart of the cartridge 116 (see for example the embodiment of FIG. 7) or,alternately, it may be thermally connected to the cartridge 116 when thecartridge 116 is in the inserted position (e.g., it may abut thecartridge 116 when cartridge 116 is in the inserted position). Heat sink256 can have any design suitable for dissipating heat generated bycartridge 116, and in particular LEDs 164. In the illustrated example,heat sink 256 is thermally connected to cartridge second face 260, whichis opposed to cartridge first face 166. As shown, heat sink 256 may havea plurality of fins extending away from cartridge substrate 220 toincrease convective surface area for efficient heat dissipation.

In the illustrated embodiment, cartridge 116 includes heat sink 256,such that heat sink 256 is removable from housing 104 with cartridge116, and optionally disposable with cartridge 116. For example, heatsink 256 may be integrally formed with cartridge 116, or discretelyformed and permanently or removably attached to cartridge 116. Anadvantage of including heat sink 256 in cartridge 116 is that it maypromote better thermal contact between heat sink 256 and substrate 220which can lead to better thermal conduction. This thermal contact may beimproved by interposing thermal compound (e.g. high thermal conductivitypaste or gel) between heat sink 256 and substrate 220. By allowing heatsink 256 to be disposable with cartridge 116, the user may avoid havingto ensure proper thermal contact or reapply thermal compound betweenheat sink 256 and substrate 220.

Referring to FIG. 8, heat sink 256 may be a separate component fromcartridge 116 in some embodiments. For example, heat sink 256 may be acomponent of housing 104. Cartridge 116 may be free of heat sinks. Anadvantage of this design is that heat sink 256 may be a reusablenon-disposable component that is retained with housing 104 as cartridge116 is removed and replaced. This further reduces number of componentsin disposable cartridge 116, which can make cartridge 116 lessexpensive, smaller, and lighter (and consequently less expensive to shipand easier to store). Turning to FIGS. 9-11, cartridge 116 makes thermalcontact with heat sink 256 in the inserted position (FIG. 9), and isthermally disconnected and physically separated from heat sink 256 whenremoved from housing 104 (FIG. 11).

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, heat sink 256 may be urged into physicalcontact with cartridge 116 as cartridge 116 is biased into the insertedposition (FIGS. 9 and 12). An advantage of this design is that thepressure at the interface of cartridge 116 and heat sink 256 cancollapse small particles (e.g. dust or dirt), and thereby promote betterthermal contact between cartridge 116 and heat sink 256. As exemplified,cartridge substrate 220 and heat sink 256 have complimentary faces 260and 264, which make flush physical contact when cartridge 116 is in theinserted position (FIGS. 9 and 12). Faces 260 and 264 can have anycomplimentary surface profiles that promote efficient heat transfer whenin flush physical contact. In the illustrated example, cartridgesubstrate face 260 and heat sink face 264 are flat planar surfaces.

Optionally, one or both of faces 260 and 264 includes thermal compoundthat accommodate surface defects to enhance the thermal contact. In someembodiments, the thermal compound is pre-applied to cartridge substrateface 260 (e.g. in the retail package). An advantage of this design isthat the user is not required to apply the thermal compound, whichavoids potential complications associated with misapplication of thethermal compound. In other embodiments, the thermal compound is userapplied to heat sink face 264. An advantage of this design is that thecartridge 116 can be provided free of thermal compound, and therefore ata lower weight and cost. Manufacturing and packaging of cartridge 116are also simplified. Also, the thermal compound applied to heat sinkface 264 may remain effective for use in connection with severalcartridges 116 before reapplication is required, such that less thermalcompound may used overall.

Heat sink 256 can be permanently connected or integrally formed withhousing 104, or removably connected to housing 104. In the illustratedembodiment, heat sink 256 is positioned in housing recess 140. As shown,heat sink 256 may be connected to housing end wall 248 by biasingmembers 188 b. Biasing members 188 b urge heat sink 256 in thelongitudinal direction towards cartridge 116 to move cartridge 116 fromthe insertion position (FIG. 10) to the inserted position (FIGS. 9 and12). To remove cartridge 116, the user may apply force to cartridge 116in opposition to biasing members 188 to move cartridge 116 from theinserted position (FIGS. 9 and 12) to the insertion position (FIG. 10),and then pull cartridge 116 transversely out of housing recess 140through housing insertion opening 184 (FIG. 11).

Housing 104 can include any number of biasing members 188 b, which canbe any type of biasing member suitable for urging heat sink 256 againstcartridge 116. In the illustrated example, housing 104 includes twospaced apart biasing members 188 b, which as shown may take the form ofhelical compression springs. This configuration can allow biasingmembers 188 b to provide distributed biasing force against heat sink 256for more even pressure at the interface of heat sink 256 and cartridge116. In alternative embodiments, housing 104 may include just onebiasing member 188 b, or more than two biasing members 188 b. Moreover,biasing member 188 b may take another form, such as a resilientlydeformable pad for example.

Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, housing end wall 248 may beremovably connected or movably connected (e.g. pivotally connected) tohousing 104. An advantage of this design is that it can provide accessto heat sink 256 (e.g. for repair or replacement of heat sink 256, orfor application of thermal compound to heat sink 256). Housing end wall248 can be removable connected or movably connected to housing 104 inany manner. For example, housing end wall fasteners 252 may be removableto release housing end wall 248 from housing 104.

Driving Member

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a driving member may beprovided to assist in moving, or to move, the cartridge to the insertedposition. As exemplified in FIGS. 13A and 13B, driving member 268 may bemovably mounted in housing 104, and operable to drive cartridge 116 fromthe insertion position to the inserted position. The driving member 268can drive a heat sink 256 against cartridge 116 as shown, or can drive acartridge 116 including an integrated heat sink.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, driving member 268 may be movable between afirst position (FIG. 14) in which the driving member 268 acts to driveand retain cartridge 116 in the inserted position (FIG. 14), and asecond position (FIGS. 15-16) in which driving member 268 releasescartridge 116 from the inserted position, whereby cartridge 116 can moveto the insertion position (FIG. 15) and then be withdrawn from housingrecess 140 (FIG. 16).

Referring to FIGS. 13B and 14, driving member 268 can have anyconstruction suitable for selectively driving cartridge 116 between theinsertion position and the inserted position. In the illustratedembodiment, driving member 268 is formed as a movable shaft having aninner end 272 pivotally mounted to housing 104. Driving member 268 mayalso have an outer end 276 which protrudes from housing 104, andprovides a handle for a user to grasp to manually move the drivingmember 268 between its first and second positions. As shown, a drivingcam 280 may be positioned between the driving member 268 and thecartridge 116. Driving cam 280 may include a cam surface 284 thatinteracts with driving member 268 as driving member 268 moves to thefirst position, whereby the driving cam 280 is moved longitudinally todrive cartridge 116 to the inserted position.

Driving member inner end 272 may be pivotally connected to housing 104in any manner. In the illustrated embodiment, driving member inner end272 and housing 104 form a ball and socket joint. In other embodiments,driving member inner and 272 and housing 104 may form another type ofpivotal connection, such as a hinged joint.

Cam surface 284 can have any configuration that allows driving member268 to move driving cam 280 towards cartridge 116 as driving cam 280 ismoved to the first position (FIG. 14). In the illustrated embodiment,cam surface 284 is planar and sloped relative to vertical andhorizontal, and driving member 268 is vertically movable between thesecond and first positions. Driving member 268 rides along cam surface284 as driving member 268 is moved upwardly to the first position, whichcauses driving cam 280 to slide longitudinally towards cartridge 116. Inother embodiments, cam surface 284 may be non-planar, which may providea different movement profile.

As shown, heat sink 256 may be connected to housing 104 and positionedbetween driving cam 280 and cartridge 116. In this embodiment, movingdriving member 268 to the first position (FIG. 14) drives driving cam280 and heat sink 256 against cartridge 116, thereby urging cartridge116 to move to the inserted position. The pressure that forms at theinterface of heat sink 256 and cartridge 116 may help to improve thermalcontact between them. In alternative embodiments, cartridge 116 includesheat sink 256, or LED light source 100 includes no heat sink.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-16, LED light source 100 may include one or morebiasing members 288, which act against driving member 268 to retractdriving cam 280 when driving member 268 is in the second position (FIG.15). An advantage of this design is that it allows cartridge 116 to beeasily removed (FIG. 16) once driving member 268 is moved to the secondposition. Biasing member 288 can have any configuration suitable forurging driving cam 280 away from cartridge 116 when driving member 268is moved to the second position (FIG. 15). In the illustrated example,housing 104 includes two spaced apart biasing members 288, formed astensile springs, which are connected to heat sink 256 and housing endwall 248. As shown, when driving member 268 is moved to the secondposition (FIG. 15), biasing members 288 pull heat sink 256, along withdriving cam 280, longitudinally towards housing end wall 248 away fromcartridge 116. This provides clearance for cartridge 116 to movelongitudinally to the insertion position (FIG. 15), and then removedfrom housing 104 (FIG. 16).

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 16, housing 104 may include one or moreretention members 292 that act to retain driving member 268 in the firstor second positions. For example, retention members 292 may retaindriving member 268 in position against the force of gravity or biasingmembers. Retention members 292 can have any configuration suitable forretaining driving member 268 in position. In the illustrated embodiment,driving member outer end 276 extends through a guide slot 296. The guideslot may guide and constrain the movement of driving cam 280 (FIG. 13B)to a path between the first position (FIG. 13A) and the second position(FIG. 16). As shown, guide slot 296 may include retention members 292formed as inward protrusions, which narrow a small portion of guide slot296. Driving member 268 can be moved along guide slot 296 past theretention members 292 into or out of the first or second position with abit of force. Consequently, retention members 292 impede driving member268 from moving out of the first or second positions until a userdeliberately applies sufficient force to move driving member 268 pastthe retention member 292.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 17-19. In alternative embodiments drivingmember 268 may be slideably mounted to housing 104. Driving member 268may be slideably mounted to housing 104 in any manner that allowsdriving member 268 to move between the first and second positions. Inthe illustrated example, housing 104 includes a track 304, and drivingmember inner end 272 is slideably mounted to track 304 for movementbetween the first position (FIG. 18) and the second position (FIG. 19).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 20-22. In some embodiments, drivingmember 268 is rotationally mounted to housing 104. For example, drivingmember 268 may be rotated (e.g. around an axis 308 of driving member268) to drive cartridge to the inserted position. In the illustratedexample, driving member inner end 272 is rotatably connected to housing104, and driving member 268 is rigidly connected to driving cam 280,such that they rotate together.

Driving cam 280 can have any shape that can drive cartridge 116 towardsthe inserted position (FIG. 22) when driving cam 280 is rotated to aparticular rotary position. For example, driving cam 280 may have across-sectional shape normal to rotary axis 308 that is eithernon-circular (e.g. oblong), or non-centered on rotary axis 308, or both.Consequently, the distance between cam surface 284 and housing recess140 changes as driving cam 280 is rotated. In the illustrated example,driving cam 280 has an oblong cross-sectional shape centered on rotaryaxis 308. As shown in FIGS. 23-26, driving cam 280 can rotate (byrotating driving member 268) between a first position (FIG. 23) in whichdriving cam 280 drives cartridge into the inserted position, through anintermediate position (FIG. 24), to a second position (FIG. 25) in whichdriving cam 280 releases cartridge 116 from the inserted position. Inthe second position, cartridge 116 is free to move to the insertionposition (FIG. 25), and then be removed from the housing 104 (FIG. 26).

Turning to FIG. 22, driving member outer end 276 may extend through anopening 312 in housing 104 to provide user accessibility to manipulatedriving member outer end 276 for rotating driving member 268 aboutdriving member axis 308. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 104includes a retention member 292 that acts to resist rotation of drivingmember 268 from the first position to the second position. As shown,retention member 292 may be a protrusion from housing 104 that makescontact with a protrusion 312 on driving member 268 to resist rotationof driving member 268 to the second position. When in the firstposition, the user may deliberately apply a force to driving memberouter end 276 that overcomes the resistance by retention member 292 torotate driving member 268 to the second position (and vice versa). Thus,retention member 292 may retain driving member 268 in the first positionagainst, e.g. the force of biasing members 288 (FIG. 21) or resilientcompressibility of cartridge 116.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 27-29. In some embodiments, drivingmember 268 includes a toggle joint 316. As shown, toggle joint 316 mayinclude first and second pivotally connected arms 320. Driving member268 may also include an arm 324 that extends from toggle joint 316, andthat is manually user operable to articulate the toggle joint 316.

Referring to FIGS. 29-32, driving member 268 is movable between a firstposition (FIGS. 29 and 30) in which driving member 268 drives cartridge116 to the inserted position, and a second position (FIG. 31) in whichdriving member 268 releases cartridge 116 from the inserted position,which allows cartridge 116 to be moved to the insertion position andthen withdrawn from housing 104 (FIG. 32). As shown, moving drivingmember 268 between the first position (FIGS. 29 and 30) and the secondposition (FIG. 31) includes articulating the toggle joint 316. Togglejoint arms 320 are pivotally connected to each other end-to-end, andoriented so that a longitudinal length 328 of the toggle joint 316changes as the toggle joint 316 is articulated (i.e. as the pivotalconnection between the toggle joint arms 320 is articulated). Thelongitudinal length 328 of toggle joint 316 governs the longitudinalseparation of cartridge 116 and housing end wall 248, whereby increasinglongitudinal length 328 moves cartridge 116 towards the insertedposition.

In the first position (FIGS. 29 and 30), the toggle joint arms 320 maybe parallel or nearly parallel (e.g. within 15 degrees of parallel). Thelongitudinal length 328 of toggle joint 316 drives the cartridge 116(and heat sink 256 in the example shown) away from housing end wall 248into the inserted position. In the second position (FIG. 31), the togglejoint arms 320 are substantially folded (i.e. collapsed) into a V-shape,such that the longitudinal length 328 of toggle joint 316 is reduced ascompared to the first position. This provides the cartridge 116 (andheat sink 256) with longitudinal clearance to move to the insertionposition.

In some embodiments, moving the driving member 268 between the first andsecond positions may include inflecting the toggle joint 316. Togglejoint 316 may have a maximum longitudinal length 328 at an intermediaryposition between the first and second positions. An advantage of thisdesign is that the inflection operates to retain the toggle joint 316 inthe first position (FIG. 30) until a deliberate force is applied toovercome the inflection and move the toggle joint 316 to the secondposition (FIG. 31). The force required to overcome the inflection may bebased on a resilient compression or deformation of cartridge 116 ortoggle joint arms 320 at the point of inflection, or a biasing member332 for example.

Still referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, in the illustrated example, biasingmember 332 is connected to toggle joint 316 and acts to resistlongitudinal lengthening of toggle joint 316. In some embodiments,biasing member 332 may also bias toggle joint 316 to the second position(FIG. 31). Biasing member 332 can be any biasing device, such as atensile spring or elastic band for example.

Openable End Wall

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the housing 104 mayhave an openable end wall to assist in moving the cartridge to theinserted position. As exemplified in FIGS. 33-35, housing end wall 248may be movable (e.g. removable or openable) to provide access to housingrecess 140 to insert and remove cartridge 116, and closeable to holdcartridge 116 in the inserted position. In this regard, housing end wall248 may be considered a driving member in that movement of housing endwall 248 may drive cartridge 116 into the inserted position.

Housing end wall 248 may be connected to housing 104 in any manner thatallows housing end wall 248 to be moved (e.g. removed or opened) toprovide access to housing recess 140 for inserting and removingcartridge 116. For example, housing end wall 248 may be translatable(e.g. slidably connected to housing 104), or rotatable (e.g. pivot ablyconnected to housing 104) while remaining connected to housing 104, orcompletely removable from housing 104 as shown. In the illustratedexample, housing end wall 248 is removably connected to housing 104 byhousing end wall fasteners 252.

Fasteners 252 may be any fastener suitable for removably connectinghousing end wall 248 to housing 104. Further, housing 104 may includeany number of fasteners 252. In the example shown, fasteners 252 includemagnets 336. Each magnet 336 aligns with a magnetically attractablecomponent 338 (e.g. another magnet or a ferromagnetic component) to forma mating magnetic pair, which connects housing end wall 248 to housing104. The mating magnetic pairs may include a magnet 336 on housing endwall 248 and a magnetically attractable component 338 on housing 104, orvice versa. There can be any number of magnetic pairs. In theillustrated example, there are two magnetic pairs. In other embodiments,there may be just one, or greater than two magnet pairs.

In use, the user may disconnect fasteners 252 to move housing end wall248 to obtain access to cartridge 116 in housing recess 140. Forexample, the user may manually (i.e. by hand) apply a removing force tohousing end wall 248, which overcomes the closure force of magnets 336,to remove housing end wall 248 from housing 104. Cartridge 116 may thenbe removed for repair or replacement by a new cartridge.

Optionally, as exemplified, heat sink 256 may be provided with a housinghaving an openable end wall. In such a case, heat sink 256 may beconnected to housing end wall 248. Heat sink 256 may be permanentlyconnected to housing end wall 248. Alternatively, heat sink 256 may beremovably connected to end wall 248. This can allow heat sink 256 to beeasily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. In other embodiments, heat sink256 is not connected to housing end wall 248, and instead removablypositioned in housing recess 140 after cartridge 116 is inserted, beforehousing end wall 248 recloses housing recess 140. In other embodiments,cartridge 116 includes a heat sink 256.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36-38. In some embodiments, the housingend wall fastener 252 may be a threaded fastener and housing 104 mayinclude a threaded receptacle 340 to receive the threaded fastener 252.In use, threaded fastener 252 may be aligned with threaded receptacle340 and rotated (e.g. using a tool or by hand) to drive the threadedfastener 252 into threaded receptacle 340, thereby joining housing endwall 248 to housing 104. In the reverse case, threaded fastener 252 maybe rotated to withdraw threaded fastener 252 from threaded receptacle340, whereby housing end wall 248 can be separated from housing 104.

Threaded fastener 252 may be configured to remain connected to housingend wall 248 when housing end wall 248 is removed from housing 104. Anadvantage of this design is that it avoids having to separately handleand store threaded fastener 252 and housing end wall 248 while, e.g.cartridge 116 is removed and replaced. This can be a real conveniencewhere, for example there are hundreds or thousands of LED light sources100 to service in a facility. As shown, threaded fastener 252 may beconnected to housing end wall 248 in any manner that allows threadedfastener 252 freedom to rotate. In the illustrated example, housing endwall 248 includes a shoulder 344, which is received in a groove 346formed in threaded fastener 252 to rotatably connect threaded fastener252 to housing end wall 248.

Threaded fastener 252 may be rotatable by hand or using a tool (e.g.screw driver). An advantage of a hand rotatable threaded fastener 252 isthat no tool is required. An advantage of a tool rotatable threadedfastener 252 is that it can be smaller and more tamper resistant. In theillustrated example, threaded fastener 252 includes a handgrip 352 whichis readily grasped by hand and torqued to rotate threaded fastener 252to tighten or loose threaded fastener 252. It will be appreciated thatthreaded fastener may alternately use a bayonet mount.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 39-41. In some embodiments, fasteners 252may be formed as buckles. An advantage of this design is that thebuckles 252 may be easily integrally formed (e.g. molded or cast) withhousing end wall 248, which can reduce the number of components andassembly costs. Buckles 252 may take any form that is selectively useroperable to connect and disconnect housing end wall 248 and housing 104.In the illustrated example, each buckle 252 includes a resilientlyflexible spring arm 356 including a hook 360 at a free end thereof.Housing sidewall 240 includes a recess 364 (e.g. an aperture) to receiveeach hook 360. In use, spring arms 356 are deflected inwardly and movedto align hooks 360 with their corresponding recesses 364, and thenreleased to spring back outwardly whereby hooks 360 insert into recesses364. In this state, buckles 252 connect housing end wall 248 to housing104. To remove housing end wall 248 from housing 104, spring arms 356may be again deflected inwardly to remove hooks 360 from theircorresponding recesses 364, thereby freeing housing end wall 248 fromconnection to housing 104.

Use of Multiple Cartridges

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a single light source100 may include a plurality of cartridges 116, which may be the same ordifferent. FIG. 47 shows an example including one light guide 108, whichreceives light from one cartridge 116 received in one housing recess 140of one housing end member 224. However, LED light source 100 can haveany number of light guides 108 and any number of cartridges 116 in theseand other embodiments. FIGS. 48-54 illustrate exemplary configurationsof LED light source 100 having a plurality of light guides 108 and/or aplurality of cartridges 116.

FIG. 48 exemplifies an embodiment of LED light source 100 including onelight guide 108 and two cartridges 116. As shown, each housing endmember 224 may include a housing recess 140, and a cartridge 116 may bereceivable in each housing recess 140 to emit light into the light guide108. Each cartridge 116 is shown emitting light into a different one oflight guide end faces 144 or 148. An advantage of this design is that itcan allow for more even illumination and/or more control over theillumination of light guide 108. For example, cartridges 116 may besubstantially identical and illuminate both of light guide end faces 144and 148 with the same light intensity to provide more even illuminationof light guide 108 across its longitudinal length 152. Alternatively,cartridges 116 may be different from each other to provide differentiallighting intensity across light guide longitudinal length 152. In theillustrated example, cartridge 116 ₁ has three LEDs 164, and cartridge116 ₂ has two LEDs 164. All else being equal, this may allow cartridge116 ₁ to illuminate light guide end face 144 with greater lightintensity than the illumination of light guide end face 148 by cartridge116 ₂. This pattern of side-illumination may provide a desired lightemission pattern from light guide 108 for the purpose of illuminating asubject in a desired manner (e.g. for better readability or visibility,or more dramatic effect).

FIG. 49 exemplifies an embodiment of LED light source 100 including twolight guides 108 and two cartridges 116. As shown, housing end member224 includes a housing recess 140 that holds two cartridges 116.Alternatively, housing end member 224 may include two separate recesses140, each of which holds one cartridge 116. The light guides 108 areshown extending from opposite longitudinal ends 266 and 270 of housingend member 224. Cartridge 116 ₁ and 116 ₂ include LEDs 164 oriented toshine in opposite longitudinal directions so that cartridge 116 ₁ emitslight into light guide 108 ₁, and cartridge 116 ₂ emits light into lightguide 108 ₂. An advantage of this design is that cartridges 116 arecentralized, which can simplify cartridges replacement. For example,where LED light source 100 is mounted high on a ceiling, a ladder maynot need to be repositioned to access both cartridges 116. Instead, thecentral location of cartridges 116 in the same housing end member 224may allow both cartridges 116 to be accessed (e.g. for repair orreplacement) from one ladder position. Also, this design may be morecompact and simpler to manufacture and assemble in that fewer housingend members 224 may be required, all else being equal.

FIG. 50 exemplifies an embodiment of LED light source 100 including twolight guides 108 and four cartridges 116. As shown, housing 104 includesan inner end member 224 ₁ between two outer end members 224 ₂ and 224 ₃.The first light guide 108 ₁ is connected to end members 224 ₁ and 224 ₂,and the second light guide 108 ₂ is connected to end members 224 ₁ and224 ₃. Inner end member 224 ₁ is shown carrying two cartridges 116 whichhave LEDs 164 oriented to direct light in longitudinally oppositedirections into light guide end faces 144 or 148, substantially asdescribed with respect to FIG. 49. Outer end members 224 ₂ and 224 ₃ areshown each carrying a cartridge 116 having LEDs 164 oriented to directlight into the light guide end face 144 or 148 of light guides 108 ₁ and108 ₂ respectively. An advantage of this design is that it provides acentral location in end member 224 ₁ for two of the cartridges asdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 49, and also provides two sidedillumination of light guides 108 for more even illumination and/or morecontrol over the illumination of light guides 108 as discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 48. Also as discussed above with reference toFIG. 48, cartridges 116 may be identical to one another, or one or more(or all) of cartridges 116 may be different. In the illustrated example,cartridges 116 in inner end member 224 ₁ are shown having five LEDs 164each, and cartridges 116 in outer end members 224 ₂ and 224 ₃ are shownhaving three LEDs 164 each.

As exemplified in FIGS. 51-52, housing 104 may include any number lightguides 108 connected longitudinally in series by any number of inner endmembers 224 ₁. An advantage of this design is that this can allow for acompact and substantially continuous arrangement of light guides 108,such as for ceiling-mounted lighting of a large area room (e.g. officespace). There may be one or two outer end members 224 ₂ and 224 ₃ asseen in FIG. 51, or these outer end members may be omitted as in FIG.52. FIGS. 51-52 illustrate embodiments of LED light source 100 includingthree light guides 108. However, in alternative embodiments, there maybe four or more light guides 108 arranged in series.

FIG. 51 exemplifies an example where each inner end member 224 ₁ holds acartridge 116 having LEDs 164 that collectively direct light into one ofthe adjacent light guides 108. Alternatively or in addition, one or moreof inner end members 224 ₁ may contain a plurality of cartridges 116that together direct light in opposite longitudinal directions toilluminate both adjacent light guides 108 as in FIG. 52. As exemplified,each inner end member 224 ₁ may include two housing recesses 140arranged back-to-back to receive cartridges 116 with LEDs 164 orientedto face opposite longitudinal directions.

As exemplified in FIG. 53, LED light source 100 may include a pluralityof cartridges 116 which are arranged to emit light into a single lightguide end face 144 or 148. In other words, LED light source 100 mayinclude a many-to-one relationship of cartridges 116 to illuminatedlight guide end face 144 or 148. An advantage of this design is that itallows one cartridge 116 containing a subset of the LEDs 164 whichilluminate the end face 144 or 148 to be replaced, instead of replacinga cartridge 116 containing all of the LEDs 164 illuminating that endface 144 or 148. As a result, the number of working LEDs 164 that areremoved when a cartridge 116 is replaced due to one or more failed LEDs164 may be reduced.

Any number of cartridges 116 may be positioned to illuminate a lightguide end face 144 or 148. In the illustrated embodiment, each housingend member 224 is configured to receive four cartridges 116 that inpairs emit light into the same light guide end faces 144 or 148.Cartridges 116 may be positioned transversely side-by-side as shown,and/or stacked in the thickness dimension of light guide 108.

As exemplified in FIG. 54, an inner end member 224 ₁ holding a pluralityof cartridges 116 may include a heat sink 256 thermally connected to theplurality of cartridges 116 to dissipate heat generated by the pluralityof cartridges 116. As shown, the heat sink 256 may be positioned betweenthe cartridges 116. An advantage of this design is that it allows oneheat sink 256 to service a plurality of cartridges 116, which can reducethe number of heat sinks 256 in LED light source 100. As a result, LEDlight source 100 may be lighter, less expensive, and easier to assemblethan an LED light source 100 having a discrete heat sink 256 for eachcartridge 116, all else being equal.

Non-Planar Light Guides

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light guide 108 mayhave a light emitting surface 112 that is not planar. For example, thelight emitting face may be round.

As exemplified in FIGS. 55-56, LED light source 100 is formed in theshape of a typical incandescent lightbulb having an engagement end 380for insertion into a light fixture socket. Engagement end 380 may be anytype of bulb base known in the art for electrical engagement with alight fixture socket. For example, engagement end 380 may be a screwbase as shown (e.g. a medium base E27), a twist & lock base (e.g. a 10mm GU10), or a pin base (e.g. a 9 mm G9). Similar to other embodiments,LED light source 100 includes a removable cartridge 116 that allows manyor most components of LED light source 100 to be reused.

As shown, LED light source 100 may include a diffuser 136, a light guide108, a cartridge 116, a housing 104, and a bulb engagement end 380.Cartridge 116 is removably mounted to housing 104 to emit light intolight guide first end face 144, and light guide 108 re-emits the lightfrom light emitting locations 114 towards diffuser 136 which radiateslight outwardly. Cartridge 116 is electrically connected (e.g. by wiresor wirelessly) to engagement end 380 to power the cartridge LED(s) 164.Engagement end 380 delivers power to cartridge 116 from an externalpower source when connected to a light fixture socket.

Light guide 108 can take any shape that allows light to propagatelongitudinally through internal reflection and emit through lightemitting locations 114 on a light emitting face 112. Earlier embodimentsof light guide 108 (see, e.g. FIG. 2) show a light guide 108 formed as athin sheet. An advantage of this design is that it allows light guide108 to emit light across a large area light emitting face 112, which maybe desirable for providing even lighting over large rooms (e.g. offices)for example. FIG. 56 exemplifies an alternative embodiment including alight guide 108 formed as a rod. An advantage of this design is that itprovides a light emitting face 112 facing many directions at once (e.g.360 degree coverage). This can be desirable where LED light source 100is formed as a lightbulb for use in light fixtures designed forlightbulbs that emit light in all directions (as in a traditionalincandescent lightbulb). In the illustrated embodiment, light guide 108is formed in the shape of a cylindrical rod having a circularly curvedlight emitting face 112. In other embodiments, light guide 108 may beformed in the shape of a rod having a different cross-section, such astriangular, rectangular, oval, or another regular or irregularcross-sectional shape, which may be solid or hollow.

Diffuser 136 can take any shape suitable for receiving and radiatinglight from light guide 108. For example, diffuser 136 may be shapedaccording to any known light bulb shape, such as a standard incandescentlight bulb shape (bulb shape “A”) as shown. In other examples, diffuser136 may have a bulb shape with a North American letter designation, suchas A, B, BT, BR, C, CA, CW, CP, E, ER, F, G, HK, K, MB, MR, P, PAR, PS,R, S, and T among others. As discussed previously, diffuser 136 is atleast partially translucent, and may be completely transparent.

As exemplified in FIGS. 101-103, LED light source 100 includes adiffuser 136 held between two housing end members 224. As show, lighttransmitting surface 136 has a substantially rectangular (e.g. square)cross-sectional shape. FIG. 105 shows another embodiment including alight transmitting surface 136 having a substantially circularcross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, light transmitting surface136 can have any other regular or irregular cross-sectional shape.

Referring to FIGS. 56 and 57, light guide 108 extends within diffuser136 to emit light towards diffuser 136 to be radiated outwardly. Lightguide 108 may be secured within diffuser 136 in any manner. In theillustrated embodiment, LED light source 100 includes a light guidemount 384, which connects light guide 108 to diffuser 136. As shown,light guide mount 384 may be connected to diffuser 136 proximatediffuser lower end 388, and hold a lower portion 392 of light guide 108,whereby an upper portion 396 of light guide 108 extends upwardly awayfrom light guide mount 384 into diffuser 136.

Light guide mount 384 may be secured to diffuser 136 in any manner. Inthe illustrated embodiment, light guide mount 384 is removably securedto diffuser 136. An advantage of this design is that is allows lightguide mount 384 to be removed to access diffuser 136 for repair orreplacement (e.g. replacement with a similar to different light guide108). As shown, light guide mount 384 has external threads 398 which aresized to mate with internal threads 404 within light guide lower end388. Alternatively, light guide mount 384 may be removably orpermanently secured to diffuser 136 by a fastener (e.g. screws, bolts,rivets, hooks and loops, magnets, snaps), welds, or adhesives.

Light guide mount 384 can have any configuration suitable for holdinglight guide 108 within diffuser 136. In the illustrated embodiment,light guide mount 384 includes a recess or aperture 410 which is sizedto receive light guide lower portion 392 with a press fit. Alternativelyor in addition, light guide mount 384 may be connected to light guide108 by screws, straps, adhesive, or welds for example. In someembodiments, light guide mount 384 may be integrally formed with lightguide 108.

Still referring to FIGS. 56 and 57, cartridge 116 may be removablyconnected to housing 104 in any manner. In the illustrated example,housing 104 includes a housing recess 140 sized to receive cartridge116. Cartridge 116 may fit into housing recess 140 with a press fit.Alternatively or in addition, cartridge 116 may be connected to housing104 by a releasable fastener (e.g. screws, bolts, hooks and loops,magnets, or snaps).

Optionally, a heat sink may be provided. As exemplified, housing 104includes a heat sink 256 that is thermally connected to cartridge 116when cartridge 116 is connected to housing 104. As discussed previously,heat sink 256 can have any design suitable for removing heat fromcartridge 116. In the example shown, heat sink 256 includes a pluralityof fins 412 which extend outwardly from housing 104.

Housing 104 may be connected to diffuser 136 in any manner that holdsthe LED(s) 164 of cartridge 116 in close proximity (abutting or even incontact) with light guide first end face 144. Preferably, housing 104 isremovably connected to diffuser 136. As exemplified in FIGS. 57-59,removing diffuser 136 can provide access to cartridge 116 for repair orreplacement. Returning to FIGS. 56-57, housing 104 may have a removablethreaded connection to diffuser 136. For example, housing 104 mayinclude external threads 416 that are removably engageable with diffuserthreads 404. Alternatively or in addition, housing 104 may be removablyconnected to diffuser 136 by another releasable fastener (e.g. screws,bolts, hooks and loops, magnets, bayonet mount, or snaps).

Controller

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, LED light source 100may include a controller 420, which is communicatively coupled tocartridge 116. Controller 420 may provide programmable and/or remotecontrol of one or more aspects of the light emitted by the light source100, (e.g., one or more of the light intensity, the number of LEDs thatare energized, the color of the LEDs that are energized, the length oftime that the LEDs are energized, the sequence in which the LEDs areenergized). For example, controller 420 may be electrically interposedbetween bulb engagement end 380 and cartridge 116 to control theelectrical power to cartridge 116.

Controller 420 may be integrated with cartridge 116. Alternatively,controller 420 may be a discrete component separate from cartridge 116,as shown in the illustrated embodiment. An advantage of this design isthat it allows controller 420 to be reused as cartridge 116 is replaced,and allows controller 420 to be shielded from heat that cartridge 116may generate. For example, a heat shield 424 formed of heat insulatingmaterial may be positioned between cartridge 116 and controller 420 toshield controller 420 from heat generated by cartridge 116. Heat shield424 may be made of any thermally insulating material suitable forshielding controller 420 from the heat generated by cartridge 116 (e.g.having a thermal conductivity of less than 1 W/mK at 20° C.).

FIGS. 58, 59, and 57 illustrate a method of removing cartridge 116 fromLED light source 100, such as for repair or replacement. As shown,diffuser 136 may be disconnected from housing 104 to expose cartridge116, and then cartridge 116 may be removed from housing 104 andoptionally replaced with a new or repaired cartridge 116.

FIGS. 60-62 illustrate an alternate method of removing cartridge 116. Inthe illustrated embodiment, LED light source 100 is formed as a lightbulb including a bulb engagement end 380 and a housing 104. The housing104 includes a diffuser 136 (also referred to as a light transmittingsurface), and defines an interior 428. A cartridge 116 is receivable inthe housing interior 428, and removable such as for repair orreplacement. As exemplified, housing 104 includes a housing recess 140having an insertion end 168 for inserting and removing cartridge 116 andlight guide 108. When cartridge 116 and light guide 108 are insertedinto housing recess 140, cartridge 116 is electrically connected to bulbengagement end 380 to receive power from a light fixture socket, andLED(s) 164 of cartridge 116 are oriented to emit light into light guideend face 144.

It will be appreciated that, in any embodiment, cartridge 116 and lightguide 108 may together form a disposable and replaceable unitarycomponent of LED light source 100. An advantage of this design is thatit allows cartridge 116 to be well aligned and permanently connected tolight guide 108, ensuring efficient transmission of light from cartridge116 into light guide 108. Alternatively, cartridge 116 may be separablefrom light guide 108 so that light guide 108 can be reused in connectionwith many cartridges 116. An advantage of this design is that it allowsmore of LED light source 100 to be reused and less of LED light source100 to be disposed, thus decreasing the cost of operating LED lightsource 100 and decreasing the size, weight, and environmental impact ofthe disposable components of LED light source 100.

Still referring to FIGS. 60-62, recess insertion opening 184 may bepositioned anywhere proximate an outer surface of LED light source 100that allows for user access to remove and replace cartridge 116. In theillustrated example, insertion opening 184 is provided on diffuser 136.An advantage of this design is that it provides user access to insertionopening 184 to remove and replace cartridge 116 while bulb engagementend 380 remains inserted in a light fixture socket. Reference is nowmade to FIGS. 63-65. In alternative embodiments, insertion opening 184is provided on bulb engagement end 380. An advantage of this design isthat cartridge 116 is prevented from being removed (accidentally orintentionally) while bulb engagement end 380 is inserted in a lightfixture socket. This may be an important consideration in someenvironments, such as factories with heavy machinery that producevibrations that may cause a cartridge to fall out. Also, this designallows diffuser 136 to have a contiguous outer surface without openingsor holes that can allow dirt or liquids to enter. This may beadvantageous for outdoor uses of LED light source 100.

Recess 140 can have any shape suitable for receiving light guide 108 andcartridge 116. FIGS. 60-65 illustrate embodiments having rod shapedlight guides 108, including a cylindrical light guide 108 (FIGS. 60-62),and a square cross-section light guide (FIGS. 63-65). Recess 140 may bea bore hole in LED light source 100 shaped to correspond with lightguide 108. For example, FIGS. 60-62 show a cylindrical recess 140, andFIGS. 63-65 show a square cross-section recess 140.

Referring to FIGS. 60-62, light guide second end face 148 may define aportion of LED light source outer surface 432 when inserted in recess140. An advantage of this design is that it can allow easy access toremove light guide 108 to access cartridge 116 for repair orreplacement. FIGS. 66-68 illustrate an alternative embodiment where LEDlight source 100 includes an end cap 440 that closes light guide 108 andcartridge 116 within recess 140, and which defines a portion of the LEDlight source outer surface 432. An advantage of this design is that endcap 440 may allow for better control over the character of the lightemitted through light guide second end face 148. For example, end cap440 may be constructed with similar or identical light transmissionproperties as diffuser 136 (diffusivity, color, etc.) such that lightemitted from light guide second end face 148 through end cap 440 ischaracteristically similar to light emitted by light guide lightemitting face 112 through diffuser 136.

Cartridge 116 may be positioned anywhere within recess 140 that allowscartridge LEDs 164 to emit light into a light guide end face 144 or 148.FIGS. 60-62 show an example in which cartridge 116 is positioned atrecess inner end 172 proximate bulb engagement end 380. An advantage ofthis design is that it shortens the electrical connection distancebetween cartridge 116 and bulb engagement end 380, which may simplifythe electrical wiring within LED light source 100. FIGS. 66-68 exemplifyan alternate example in which cartridge 116 is positioned proximaterecess insertion end 168 when inserted in recess 140. As shown, lightguide 108 is positioned inwardly of cartridge 116. An advantage of thisdesign is that it can allow access to cartridge 116 (e.g. for repair orreplacement) without having to remove light guide 108.

FIGS. 69-71 illustrate another embodiment including a first cartridge116 ₁ positioned proximate recess inner end 172, a second cartridge 116₂ positioned proximate recess insertion end 168, and a light guide 108positioned between the first and second cartridges 116 ₁ and 116 ₂.Cartridge 116 ₁ emits light into light guide first end face 144, andcartridge 116 ₂ emits light into light guide second end face 148. Anadvantage of this design is that it allows for relatively greater andmore even or controlled illumination of light guide 108. Cartridges 116₁ and 116 ₂ may be permanently connected to light guide 108, anddisposable with light guide 108. Alternatively, cartridges 116 ₁ and 116₂ may be separable from light guide 108 so that light guide 108 can bereused with new or repaired cartridges 116.

Direct Emission of Light from an LED

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a light guide 108 maynot be used. Instead, as exemplified in FIGS. 72-74, LED light source100 may not include a light guide 108. An advantage of this design isthat the light attenuation, cost, and complexity associated withincluding a light guide 108 is mitigated. In the illustrated example,cartridge 116 is removably connected to housing 104 beneath a diffuser136. As shown, diffuser 136 may be removable to provide access to removeor replace cartridge 116.

Diffuser 136 can have any shape suitable for radiating light fromcartridge 116 onto a subject to be illuminated. In the illustratedembodiment, diffuser 136 is dome-shaped, such that LED light source 100has the shape of a typical incandescent light bulb. FIGS. 75-77illustrate an alternate embodiment where diffuser 136 is substantiallyflat (e.g. planar), such that LED light source 100 has the shape of ahalogen light bulb. As shown, housing 104 includes a recess 140 toaccommodate cartridge 116 beneath the flat diffuser 136.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 78-80. As shown, LED light source 100 mayinclude a cartridge 116, containing a plurality of LEDs 164, which isremovably receivable in housing interior 428. As shown, LED light source100 may be free of light guides in some embodiments. Instead, cartridge116 may emit light directly towards light transmitting surface 136. Anadvantage of this design is that it may reduce light attenuationassociated with light transmission through a light guide.

LEDs 164 may be provided on any one or more faces of cartridge 116. Inthe illustrated embodiment, LEDs 164 are provided on a plurality faces,namely opposed cartridge faces 166 and 260. An advantage of this designis that it allows LEDs 164 to emit light in opposite directions, andthereby better illuminate light transmitting surface 136, which radiatesthe light onto the subject to be illuminated.

Each cartridge face 166 and 260 may include any number of LEDs 164arranged in any configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, LEDs 164are distributed and spaced apart longitudinally along the bulb axis 444.An advantage of this design is that it allows cartridge 116 to have anarrower width 448, and therefore require a smaller insertion opening184 to be formed in light transmitting surface 136.

FIGS. 81-83 illustrate an embodiment of LED light source 100 similar toFIGS. 75-77, except, for example that LED light source 100 has the shapeof a halogen light bulb. Also, housing 104 is shown including a heatsink 256. As shown, heat sink 256 may define an outer surface of housing104 and may encircle cartridge 116 when cartridge 116 is received inhousing interior 428. An advantage of this design is that it may providean enlarged area heat sink 256, which can allow heat produced bycartridge 116 to be dissipated more efficiently.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 84-86. In some embodiment, cartridge 116may not include an end cap 440. As shown, this can substantially reducecartridge width 448, and consequently allow recess width 192 andinsertion opening width 452 to be narrowed. As a result, lighttransmitting surface 136 may have a greater surface area, all else beingequal.

In some embodiment, cartridge outer end portion 456 may extend outboardof light transmitting surface 136. An advantage of this design is thatcartridge 116 may be more easily grasped by hand for removal andreplacement. In other embodiments, cartridge 116 is wholly positionedwithin housing 104.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 87-89. In some embodiments, LED lightsource 100 may accommodate a plurality of cartridges 116 within housing104. An advantage of this design is that it may allow just one cartridge116 containing a subset of the LED light source's LEDs 164 to bereplaced (while keeping the other cartridge(s) 116 in place), instead ofhaving to replace a single cartridge 116 containing all of the LEDs 164within light source 100. Consequently, fewer working LEDs 164 may bedisposed when a cartridge 116 is removed due to one or more failed LEDs164.

In the illustrated embodiment, housing 104 includes two recesses 140,each of which is sized to receive a cartridge 116. In alternativeembodiments, housing 104 may include a recess 140 which can accommodatea plurality of cartridges 116. Cartridges 116 may be positioned andoriented anywhere within housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment,each cartridge 116 is aligned parallel with and spaced apart from bulbaxis 444. An advantage of this design is that cartridges 116 may evenlyilluminate light transmitting surface 136.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 90-93. Cartridge 116 may include anynumber of faces 166, each of which may include any number of LEDs 164.In the illustrated example, cartridge 116 has a cross-shape includingeight cartridges faces 166, and each cartridge face 166 is shownincluding two LEDs 164. Thus, an advantage of having a cartridge 116with many faces 166 is that it can accommodate a greater number of LEDs164, which may collectively be capable of emitting greater lightintensity, all else being equal.

In some embodiment, cartridge 116 may include a heat sink 256 positionedbehind and between adjacent cartridge faces 166. For example, behindeach cartridge front face 166 may be a cartridge rear face 260 which isthermally coupled to a heat sink 256. As shown, heat sink 256 may have across-shaped cross-section with outer faces 264 in thermal contact withcartridge rear faces 260. An advantage of this design is that it mayprovide a compact arrangement of cartridge faces 166 and effectivedissipation of heat generated by LEDs 164.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 94-97. Recess 140 may be formed in anyportion of housing 104, and may be oriented in any direction. In theillustrated embodiment, housing recesses 140 are oriented transversely(e.g. perpendicularly) to bulb axis 444. As shown, this allowscartridges 116 to be inserted laterally into housing 104. An advantageof this design is that depending on the shape of LED light source 100,this may allow housing 104 to accommodate more cartridges 116 bearingmore LEDs 164.

As shown, each cartridge 116 may be shaped and inserted like a traybearing one or more LEDs 164 on one or more of its surfaces 166 and 260.In the illustrated example, there are three cartridges 116 and eachcartridge includes one or more LEDs 164 on its upper surface 166. FIGS.98-100 illustrate another embodiment including cartridges 116 havingLEDs 164 provided on their lower surfaces 260. Alternatively, or inaddition, one or more of cartridges 116 may have LEDs 164 on bothsurfaces 166 and 260.

Weather Sealing

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, in some embodiments LEDlight source 100 may be weather-sealed. An advantage of this design isthat it may allow LED light source 100 to be safely used in outdoorenvironments. As exemplified in FIGS. 75-77, housing 104 is shownincluding a seal 436 (e.g. a resiliently deformable member, such as anO-ring) that engages with diffuser 136 (e.g. by physical contact) whendiffuser 136 is connected to housing 104. As shown, seal 436 may beprovided on an outer surface 368 of housing 104 surrounding cartridge116, and engage with a rear surface 174 of diffuser 136. Alternatively,or in addition, diffuser 136 may include a seal 436 that engages housing104 when diffuser 136 is connected to housing 104. In any case, seal 436may inhibit the passage of liquid, dirt, and/or air through theinterface of diffuser 136 and housing 104, thereby protecting cartridge116 within.

Energy Storage Member and/or Energy Generating Member

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, in some embodiments,LED light source 100 may include an energy storage member 460 and/or anenergy generating member 476 (see for example FIGS. 101-103). Energystorage member 460 may be any device suitable for powering cartridge116. In some embodiments, energy storage member 460 has sufficient powercapacity when charged to power cartridge LEDs 164 to at least 60% powerrating for at least an hour. For example, energy storage member 460 maybe one or more batteries or supercapacitors. An advantage of this designis that it can allow LED light source 100 to operate while untethered toan external power source, such as mains electric power. Further, it maybe useable as an emergency lighting source when there is a power outage.

The energy storage member may be provided at any location. For example,the energy storage member may be provided in the apparatus itself, forexample, a lighting fixture, a frame as discussed subsequently or anyother apparatus that has the LED light source. Alternately, the energystorage member may be part of a power cord that electrically connectsthe apparatus to a power outlet (e.g., a household power outlet).Therefore, the energy storage member may be provided in or as part ofthe electrical plug that is plugged into a wall outlet or in line withthe power cord that extends between the electrical plug and theapparatus.

As exemplified, energy storage member 460 may be positioned withinhousing 104. For example, housing 104 may include an energy storagerecess 464 sized to accommodate energy storage member 460. In someembodiments, as discussed previously, energy storage recess 464 may beweather sealed to inhibit entry of water, snow, and dirt into storagerecess 464 when closed. An advantage of this design is that it can allowLED light source 100 to be used outdoors or in other hazardousenvironments. For example, energy storage recess 464 may include aninsertion opening 472 for inserting energy storage member 460 intoenergy storage recess 464, and an energy storage recess cover 468 whichcloses and seals insertion opening 472.

Energy storage recess cover 468 may be movable between a closed positionin which energy storage recess cover 482 closes insertion opening 472,and an open position in which energy storage recess cover 482 is movedaway from insertion opening 472 to allow access to energy storage member460. An advantage of this design is that it can allow access to energystorage member 460 for repair or replacement. In other embodiments,energy storage recess cover 468 is permanently connected or integrallyformed with insertion opening 472, prohibiting energy storage recess 464from opening once closed. An advantage of this design is that it canprovide a more robust seal between recess cover 468 and insertionopening 472.

In some embodiments, LED light source 100 may alternately or in additioninclude an energy generating member 476 that is electrically connectedto energy storage member 460 and/or the LEDs. An advantage of thisdesign is that it can continuously or periodically recharge energystorage member 460 to allow LED light source 100 to operate autonomously(i.e. without user interaction) for a prolonged period of time. In theillustrated embodiment, energy generating member 476 is a solar panel.As shown, solar panel 476 may form or be incorporated into energystorage recess cover 482. In other embodiments, energy generating member476 may include a wind generator (not shown). In other embodiments, LEDlight source 100 may not include an energy generating member 476, andinstead depend upon energy storage member 460 being recharged by othermeans or being replaced.

Mounting Member

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, LED light source 100may include a mounting member 480 (see for example FIGS. 101-103).Mounting member 480 can be any device that can secure LED light source100 onto a surface. An advantage of this design is that it allows LEDlight source 100 to be more versatile in its placement. In theillustrated embodiment, LED light source 100 includes a spike 480connected to and extending outwardly of housing 104. Spike 480 may bepushed into a ground surface (e.g. soil) to support LED light source 100in an upright orientation on that ground surface. FIG. 104 shows anotherembodiment including a suction cup 480 that can be suctioned onto asmooth surface, such as a window or tile.

Returning to FIGS. 101-103, mounting member 480 can extend from anyportion of LED light source 100. In the illustrated embodiment, mountingmember 480 extends longitudinally outwardly from housing end member 224₁ and energy storage member 460 is positioned within housing end member224 ₂. An advantage of this design is that it can provide ample spacefor an energy generating member 476 at the end member 224 ₂ where energystorage member 460 is located. FIGS. 107-108 exemplify anotherembodiment in which mounting member 480 extends longitudinally fromhousing end member 224 ₁ and energy storage member 460 is positionedwithin housing end member 224 ₁. An advantage of this design is that itcan shift the weight of the energy storage member 460 to proximate themounting member 480, which can improve the mounting stability of LEDlight source 100.

Partial Emission of Light

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a light guide having anon-planar emission surface may be provided with a diffuser which emitslight in only one or more directions. An advantage of this aspect isthat light may be directed to illuminate a portion of the spacesurrounding the light source 100. As exemplified in FIG. 106, lighttransmitting surface 136 includes a light emitting portion 484, and anopaque portion 488 (identified with crosshatching). Light emittingportion 484 is at least translucent (i.e. translucent or transparent) topermit light from light guide 108 to pass therethrough and illuminatethe surrounding volume. Opaque portion 488 is opaque and in some casesreflective to light from light guide 108. An advantage of this design isthat it allows LED light source 100 to focus light emissions in somedirections (i.e. through light emitting portion 484) and to block lightemissions in other directions (i.e. through opaque portion 488). In theillustrated embodiment, light transmitting surface 136 includes onecontiguous light transmitting portion 484 and one contiguous opaqueportion 488, which are substantially equal in size. In otherembodiments, light transmitting portion 484 and opaque portion 488 maybe discontiguous (e.g. striped or spotted) and may be represented indifferent proportions. It will also be appreciated that the opaqueportion 488 may allow some light therethrough and accordingly may not befully opaque.

An inner surface 174 of opaque portion 488 may be reflective (e.g.mirrored) to reflect light from light guide 108 to light emittingportion 484. An advantage of this design is that at least a portion oflight that strikes opaque portion 488 may be emitted outwardly fromlight emitting portion 484.

Frame

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a frame, such as forart, may be provided with uses a light source having any one or more ofthe features set out herein. As exemplified in FIG. 109 to FIG. 111, aframe 500 for artwork 504 is provided. The artwork 504 may be asubstantially planar ‘picture-type’ artwork, such as a photo, a print, apainting, or the like. Frame 500 includes one or more LED light source100 to illuminate artwork 504. As shown, LED light source 100 mayinclude one or more light guides 108 which are endwise illuminated byLEDs and which emit light from a light emitting face 112 towards artwork504 through light transmitting surface 136. An advantage of frame 500 isthat it can provide energy efficient and controllable illumination of anartwork 504.

Frame 500 includes one or more side panels 508 that together define aninner opening 512 through which the artwork 504 is viewable. Inneropening 512 may extend in a plane 516. Alternately, the frame may definean opening that extends in 3 dimensions. Inner opening 512 may be of anyshape. For example, frame 500 may have the shape of a parallelogram(e.g. rectangle) having four side panels 508 connected end-to-end asshown. An advantage of this design is that most artwork isparallogrammatic so that a parallelogrammatic frame is widelycompatible. In other embodiments, frame 500 may have any other regularor irregular shape formed by any other number of side panels 508. Forexample, frame 500 may include just one side panel 508 formed in acircle, three side panels 508 connected end to end in a triangle, or aplurality of side panels 508 configured in the shape of a dog. Thus,frame 500 can have side panel(s) 508 shaped to accommodate artwork 504of any shape.

As exemplified, frame 500 may also include one or more backing layers520, which cover a rear face 524 of artwork 504. As shown, artwork 504may be positioned between backing layer(s) 520 and the front face offrame side panels 508. In the illustrated embodiment, frame 500 includesa rigid backer 520 ₁ (e.g. chip board) and a flexible backer 520 ₂ (e.g.paper). Artwork 504 may be attached directly to frame side panels 508,or held in place against frame side panels 508 by backing layer(s) 520.Frame 500 may also include a hanger 528 (e.g. wire hanger) secured toframe side panel(s) 508 or frame backing layer(s) 520.

As discussed previously, and as exemplified in FIGS. 112-113A, LED lightsource 100 may include one or more endwise-illuminated light guide 108wherein each light guide 108 may extend longitudinally along part or allof any one or more of frame side panels 508. For example, each lightguide 108 may have a longitudinal length 152 that is at least 40%, 50%,60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the corresponding side length 532 of the frameinner opening 512. An advantage of this design is that it allows lightguides 108 to emit light over all or substantially the entire artwork504. In the illustrated embodiment, light guide 108 extends along eachframe side panel 508, and each light guide longitudinal length 152 isapproximately equal to frame inner opening longitudinal length 532.

As discussed previously, and as exemplified, LED light source 100 mayinclude a plurality of LEDs 164 which are positioned to emit light intolight guide end faces 144. A diffuser 136 may be spaced inwardly towardsan opposed side panel 508 of each light guide 108. As exemplified,diffusers 136 may be formed as planar members that are end wiseconnected to form a closed perimeter around frame inner opening 512. Anadvantage of this design is that it can allow diffusers 136 to diffuseall light emitted towards artwork 504 by light guides 108. In otherembodiments, LED light source 100 may not include a diffuser 136. Forexample, the light emitted by light guide 108 may be sufficientlydiffuse for the particular artwork 504 being illuminated. Alternately, adiffuser may overlie part or all of a light guide 108. It will beappreciated that the diffuser may be non-planar (e.g., convex).

Referring to FIG. 111, frame side panels 508 may be connected in anymanner, such as by fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, nails, rivets),magnets, snaps, press fits, or integral forming. In some embodiments,frame side panels 508 are removably connected. An advantage of thisdesign is that it can allow for at least some disassembly to access LEDlight source 100 or other components that may require repair orreplacement. In the illustrated embodiment, frame side panels 508 areconnected by frame corner members 540. As shown, each frame cornermember 540 may removably connect the two adjacent frame side panels 508.Removing a frame corner member 540 may provide access to, e.g. LEDs,which may be carried on a removable cartridge or a housing end member224 located adjacent the frame corner member 540.

As exemplified in FIG. 112, LED light source 100 may include anyarrangement of LEDs 164 suitable to emit light into light guide endfaces 144 and/or 148. In the illustrated example, each light guide 108has an end face 144 endwise illuminated by an LED 164 (or group of LEDs164) proximate a different corner of frame 500. As exemplified, onehousing end member 224 holding the LEDs 164 is positioned proximate adifferent corner of the frame 500. An advantage of this design is thatit can provide a relatively large space within frame 500 for the housingend member 224, LEDs 164, and any associated heat sink, wiring and/orelectronics.

Referring to FIG. 113B, in some embodiments, there may be two housingend members 224 holding LEDs 164, which illuminate light guide end faces144 or 148 of different light guides 108 associated with different frameside panels 508, located proximate one frame corner 540. An advantage ofthis design is that two (sets) of LEDs 164 may be accessible from onecorner, such as by moving frame corner member 540. In some embodiments,one or more (or all) light guides 108 within frame 500 may beilluminated from both of their end faces 144 and 148, by positioningLEDs 164 that illuminate in two directions within or proximate eachframe corner member 540. An advantage of this design is that it canprovide greater, more even, or better controlled illumination of eachlight guide 108.

As exemplified in FIGS. 114 and 115, in some embodiments, one or moreLEDs 164 may be positioned and oriented to each emit lightsimultaneously into two light guide end faces 144 or 148. An advantageof this design is that it can reduce the number of LEDs 164 andassociated components of LED light source 100. In the illustratedembodiment, an LED 164 is positioned within each of two frame cornermembers 540 and oriented to emit light into light guide end faces 144 ofthe two light guides 108 that meet at that corner 540. As shown, LED 164emits light into light guides 108 at an angle that results in internalreflection and longitudinal propagation of the light along thelongitudinal length of each light guide 108.

As exemplified in FIG. 116, in some embodiments, frame side panel 508may be configured to hold LED light source 100, or components thereof,in position. As shown, frame side panel 508 may include diffuserretention slots 544 which retain diffuser 136, and light guide retentionslots 548 which retain light guide 108. Light guide retention slots 548may also hold reflector 132 in contact with light guide rear face 128.

Frame 500, including LED light source 100, may be powered by any powersource. In the illustrated embodiment, LED light source 100 includes anenergy storage member 460, positioned, e.g., within an energy storagerecess 464, for supplying power to frame 500. An advantage of thisdesign is that it allows frame 500 to operate where an external powerconnection may be unavailable or inconvenient. FIG. 117 shows an exampleincluding a power cord 552 which is electrically connectable to externalpower. An advantage of this design is that it does not rely on aninternal energy storage member which can require periodic replacement orrecharging. FIG. 118 shows another example including a power cord 552and an energy storage member 460. An advantage of this design is thatthe external power source through power cord 552 can charge energystorage member 460, which can supply power to frame 500 during poweroutages.

If there is a power outage, the LED light source of the frame mayalternately operate as emergency lighting. It will be appreciate that ifa power cord is provided as in FIG. 118, then the energy storage membermay be charged from the power cord at any time the power cord is pluggedin. Accordingly, if the power cord is plugged in at all times (or hardwired to an electrical supply) then the LED light source may beavailable as a fully charged emergency lighting source.

As exemplified in FIG. 116, in some embodiments, light emitted by LEDlight source 100 (whether directly from light guide 108 or radiatedthrough diffuser 136) may directly illuminate artwork 504. As shown,there may not be provided any covering that overlays the artwork frontface 556. An advantage of this design is that it allows the artwork 504to receive light unattenuated by a covering, and may permit users tophysically touch the artwork 504 if appropriate. For example, theartwork front face 556 may include media (e.g. paint) which creates anuneven surface texture with which users can interact. FIG. 119 shows analternative embodiment including a transparent cover 560 (e.g.transparent glass or plastic) which overlays artwork front face 556. Anadvantage of this design is that it can protect artwork 504 from usercontact and the environment (e.g. liquids and humidity). In someembodiments, cover 560 is configured to reflect, absorb, or otherwiseobstruct passage of specific light wavelength bands. For example, cover560 may be substantially opaque to UV light that may damage artwork 504.Cover 560 may be positioned rearwardly of LED light source 100 as shown,or outwardly of LED light source 100 as in FIG. 120. An advantage ofpositioning cover 560 outwardly of LED light source 100 is that it canalso provide protection for light source 100.

As exemplified in FIGS. 121 and 122, in some embodiments, LED lightsource 100 may be spaced forwardly of the artwork 504 and/or frameopening plane 516. For example, light guide rear side 178 and/ordiffuser rear side 154 may be outwardly spaced apart from the plane 516of frame inner opening 512 by a distance 536 of, e.g., 0.25 to 1 inches.An advantage of this design is that it can increase the angle ofincidence between light emitted by LED light source 100 and artwork 504,which can allow the emitted light to better distribute across theartwork front face 556. As exemplified, frame 500 may include a spacer560 that abuts artwork 504 to retain the rearward spacing between LEDlight source 100 and artwork 504. Spacer 560 may be an integralcomponent of frame side panels 508 as shown, or a separate componentfrom frame side panels 508.

As exemplified in FIG. 123, in some embodiments, light guide lightemitting face 112 may be angled to face rearwardly from vertical, andnon-parallel to frame opening plane 516 (and therefore artwork 504). Anadvantage of this design is that it can allow light emitted by LED lightsource 100 to be directed towards frame opening plane 516, so that agreater portion of the emitted light strikes artwork 504, and thereforeprovides greater illumination of artwork 504, all else being equal.

Light guide light emitting face 112 can have any surface profilesuitable for illuminating artwork 504. In the illustrated example, lightguide light emitting face 112 is substantially planar and angled to facerearwardly from vertical towards opening plane 516. FIGS. 124 and 125show other examples including a light guide light emitting face 112 thatis convexly (FIG. 124) and concavely (FIG. 125) curved between lightguide rear side 178 and front side 182. FIG. 126 shows another exampleincluding a light guide light emitting face 112 that has a rear concaveportion 564 and a front convex portion 568.

Light guide light emitting face 112 may be at a non 0 degree angle to anaxis that is perpendicular to the front face of the artwork, e.g.,non-parallel with diffuser 136 as exemplified in FIG. 124-126, orparallel with an axis that is perpendicular to the front face of theartwork. In some embodiments, diffuser 136 may be angled to facerearwardly from vertical towards opening plane 516. An advantage of thisdesign is that it can allow light radiated by diffuser 136 to be focusedtowards frame opening plane 516, so that a greater portion of theradiated light strikes artwork 504, and therefore provides greaterillumination of artwork 504, all else being equal. Similar to lightguide light emitting face 112, diffuser 136 may be substantially planar,concave (FIG. 127), or convex (FIG. 128). FIG. 129 shows another exampleincluding a diffuser 136 having a rear concave portion 572 and a frontconvex portion 576.

As exemplified in FIG. 130, in some embodiments, LED light source 100may not include a diffuser. As shown, light emitted from light guidelight emitting face 112 may emit light inwardly towards frame inneropening plane 516 without passing through a diffuser. In this case,light guide 108 may emit sufficiently diffuse light for the particularartwork 504 being illuminated so that a diffuser is unnecessary orunwanted. An advantage of this design is that it avoids the cost,weight, and light attenuation associated with a diffuser. Asexemplified, the light emitting face 112 faces towards the artwork andis curved so as to emit light so as to spread out across the front faceof the artwork.

As previously discussed, LED light source 100 may include any number ofreflectors 132 associate with any faces of light guide 108. For example,LED light source 100 may include reflector(s) 132 positioned so thatcollectively they reflect light emitted from two or more faces of lightguide 108 other than light guide light emitting face 112. An advantageof this design is that less light propagating through light guide 108may be lost through faces other than light emitting face 112. As aresult, the efficiency of LED light source 100 may be improved. In theillustrated embodiment, LED light source 100 includes reflectors 132positioned adjacent light guide bottom face 128, light guide rear side178, and light guide front side 182. The reflectors 132 may be onecontiguous reflector or three discrete reflectors. The reflectors 132may be in contact with or spaced apart from their respective faces 128,178, and 182. In some embodiments, reflector 132 of light guide frontside 182 may extend inwardly beyond light emitting face 112. Anadvantage of this design is that it allows reflector 132 to reflectstray light emitted from light emitting face 112 back towards frameinner opening 512 (and artwork 504).

The artwork may be secured in the frame by any method known in the art.For example, the artwork may be unmounted and stretched when mounted inthe frame. As exemplified in FIG. 131, frame 500 holds artwork 504 in amanner that conceals a peripheral portion 580 of artwork 504. Anadvantage of this design is that it hides the unsightly peripheralportion 580 which is fastened to frame 500 (e.g. for the purpose ofstretching the artwork 504 flat). In the illustrated embodiment, a rearportion 584 of frame side panel 508 includes an artwork retention slot588 sized to receive and firmly grasp artwork peripheral portion 580. Asshown, artwork retention slot 588 is positioned rearward of LED lightsource 100 and therefore hidden from view.

Artwork retention slot 588 can hold artwork peripheral portion 580 inany manner. In the illustrated embodiment, artwork retention slot 588includes a resiliently deformable member 592 that allows artworkperipheral portion 580 to be wedged into artwork retention slot 588. Anadvantage of this design is that it provides a non-destructive,selectively removable manner of holding artwork peripheral portion 580.

FIG. 132 exemplifies another embodiment in which artwork 504 is appliedto (e.g. bonded to) a canvas backing 596, and a peripheral portion 604of canvas backing 596 is held in artwork retention slot 588.

Alternately or in addition to using light sources in one or more of theside panels, the light source 100 may back light part or all of theartwork. Backlighting may be used if the artwork is, e.g., translucent.As with the light source 100 used in the side panels, the light sourceused for back lighting may use a light source having any one or more ofthe features set out herein. As exemplified in FIG. 133-135, frame 500includes an LED light source 100 that backlights artwork 504. LED lightsource 100 can include any number of light guides 108, which have lightemitting faces 112 that collectively underlay (are positioned rearwardof the artwork and have a light emitting face 112 that faces towards theartwork) any portion (or all) of the area of frame inner opening 512. Inthe illustrated embodiment, LED light source 100 includes two spacedapart light guides 108, each endwise-illuminated by LEDs held by ahousing end member 224. As shown, light guides 108 are positionedrearward of frame inner opening plane 516 and artwork 504. Light guides108 can have any shape and orientation. In the illustrated embodiment,light guides 108 extend longitudinally in a horizontal direction, andare spaced apart in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, lightguides 108 may extend longitudinally in a vertical direction or anotherdirection, and may be spaced apart in any direction or side-by-side.

As exemplified, light emitting faces 112 are spaced rearwardly ofartwork 504. An advantage of this design is that it allows light emittedby light guides 108 to spread-out across a wider area before strikingartwork 504. For example, light emitting faces 112 may be spacedrearwardly of frame inner opening plane 516 by, e.g., 0.25 to 1 inches.In some embodiments, LED light source 100 may not include a diffuserbetween light emitting face 112 and artwork 504. For example, thesubstrate of artwork 504 (e.g. canvas) may behave as a suitable diffuserfor the art thereon.

As discussed previously and as exemplified, LED light source 100 mayinclude a reflector 132 positioned rearwardly of light guides 108.Reflector 132 may have a size that corresponds to the light guide rearfaces 128 as in previous examples, or may extend over an area greaterthan light guide rear faces 128. In the illustrated example, reflector132 is sized to overlay substantially the entire frame inner opening512. An advantage of this design is that it allows reflector 132 toreflect light emitted (e.g. by reflection or otherwise) from artwork504, and therefore improve the lighting efficiency of frame 500.

Frame 500 may include a LED light source 100 that provides sidelighting, backlighting, or both. FIG. 136 shows an example of a frame500 including an LED light source 100 which includes a light guide 108rear of frame inner opening plane 516 to provide backlighting, and alight guide 108 positioned forward of frame inner opening plane 512 toprovide side lighting.

As exemplified in FIGS. 137-138, LED light source 100 may includebacklighting light guides 108 illuminated from one or both end faces 144and 148. For example, FIG. 137 shows light guides 108 illuminated fromone end face 144 or 148 each. As discussed previously and asexemplified, light guides 108 may be illuminated from opposite end faces144 or 148. An advantage of this design is that it can provide more evenillumination by spacing apart LEDs 164 on opposite sides of frame 500.FIG. 138 shows another example including light guides 108 eachilluminated at both of their respective end faces 144 and 148.

LED light source 100 may include any number of light guides 108 of anylongitudinal length 152 and transverse width 156, so that collectivelylight guides 108 underlay any portion or all of the area of frame inneropening 512. The illustrated example includes two light guides 108 thatcollectively underlay approximately 15% of the area of frame inneropening 512. FIG. 139 shows another example including four light guides108 that collectively underlay approximately 75% of the area of frameinner opening 512. In some cases, it may be preferable to have lightguide(s) 108 that collectively underlay a wide area (e.g. at least 25%)of frame inner opening 512 to more evenly backlight artwork 504.

Alternatively or in addition, LED light source 100 may include aplurality of light guides 108 each having only one light emitting face112. An advantage of this design is that each artwork may be backlit bya light guide 108 illuminated by different LEDs 164 selectedparticularly for that artwork 504. This can allow for greater variationin the backlighting of the two artworks 504.

As exemplified in FIGS. 150-151, in any of the embodiments of frame 500described or shown herein, LEDs 164 of LED light source 100 may becarried on a removable cartridge 116 in accordance with any embodimentof cartridge 116 described or shown herein. The illustrated embodimentshows an example in which a cartridge 116 is insertable into andremovable from a recess 140, and when inserted the LED(s) 164 ofcartridge 116 are positioned and oriented to emit light into a lightguide first end face 144 or 148. Recess 140 may include a recess opening184 formed in frame corner 540 as shown, or a frame side panel 508.

Light Mask

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a light mask 608 may bepositioned between LED light source 100 and artwork 504. Mask 608 can beany element that overlays only a portion of artwork 504 (i.e. does notoverlay another portion of artwork 504) and which alters the extent towhich the LED light source 100 illuminates part of the artwork (e.g.,inhibits, diminishes, filters, alters the colour of the light orotherwise alters light emitted by LED light source 100). For example, asexemplified in FIG. 40, mask 608 may be a discrete disc of material, ora coating (e.g. UV or fluorescent paint) applied to artwork rear face524 or light guide light emitting face 112 or a further substrate. Anadvantage of this design is that it can provide fine control over thecolor and/or intensity of light that backlights different portions ofartwork 504. For example, it may be desirable to position a mask 608behind a solid-black portion of artwork 504 to inhibit LED light source100 from backlighting this portion and causing the black to appear asgrey. In another example, it may be desirable to position a colored orfluorescent mask 608 under a similarly colored portion of artwork 504 toenhance the color of that portion of artwork 504, which may otherwisetend to lose color saturation when backlit. In another example, it maybe desirable to position a mask 608 behind a lighter portion of artwork504 to reduce the backlighting of this portion and thereby enabling morebacklighting of darker portions of the artwork. It will be appreciatedthat the mask 608 may be applied to one or more portions of a clearsubstrate (e.g., glass, plastic) which is of the same size as theartwork and may be separately mounted in the frame.

Positioning of the Light Emitting Locations

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light emittinglocations 114 may be distributed over the surface of light guide lightemitting face 112 in any manner that provides a desired distribution oflight output. In some embodiments, a density of light emitting locations114 is substantially equal across the whole of light guide lightemitting face 112. An advantage of this design is that it allows largesheets of light guide material to be manufactured and dividedarbitrarily for use in LED light sources 100 without concern overregistering the light emitting locations 114 to particular portions ofeach light guide 108 cut from the sheet.

As exemplified in FIG. 141, light guide 108 may have light emittinglocations 114 unevenly distributed over light guide light emitting face112. An advantage of this design is that it can allow light guide 108 toemit light at a level of illumination that is substantially the sameacross light guide light emitting face 112, or to emit light with ahigher level of illumination in some areas compared to others, dependingon the arrangement of light emitting locations 114. For example, FIG.141 shows a light guide 108 illuminated from light guide first end face144 by LED(s) 164. The quantum of light within light guide 108 decreasesfrom first end face 144, where no light has yet been deflected out orabsorbed by light emitting locations 114, to light guide second end face148, by which point much of the light traveling from light guide firstend face 144 has been deflected out or absorbed by light emittinglocations 114. As shown, light guide 108 may have light emittinglocations 114 that increase in density longitudinally from the first endface 144 to the second end face 148. An advantage of this design is thatthis can allow light guide 108 to emit light at a level of illuminationthat is substantially the same along the longitudinal length 152 oflight guide 108. For example, the level of illumination emitted at thelongitudinal middle 612 of light emitting face 112 may be ±20% of alevel of illumination emitted proximate light guide first end face 144,and in some examples±10% of a level of illumination emitted proximatelight guide first end face 144.

FIG. 142 exemplifies another embodiment including a light guide 108illuminated from both of light guide first and second end faces 144 and148 by LEDs 164. As shown, light guide 108 may have light emittinglocations 114 that increase in density longitudinally from the first andsecond end faces 144 and 148 to the light guide longitudinal middle 612.Once again, this can allow light guide 108 to provide a generally evenlevel of illumination along the longitudinal length 152 of lightemitting face 112.

FIG. 123 exemplifies an example including a light guide 108 that isilluminated by LEDs from a longitudinal end face. In this example, thelight emitting locations 114 proximate light guide rear side 178 maycontribute illumination to a relatively smaller portion of artwork 504than the light emitting locations 114 proximate light guide front side182 due to their closer proximity to artwork 504. In the illustratedexample, light emitting locations 114 increase in density transverselyfrom light guide rear side 178 to light guide front side 182. Anadvantage of this design is that it can allow light guide 108 to providemore even illumination across the height of artwork 504 by allowinggreater light to emit from the front portion of light guide lightemitting face 112 which directs light to a relatively greater area ofartwork 504. As a result, a person viewing the artwork 504 may view agenerally evenly illuminated image.

FIG. 143 exemplifies another embodiment including an LED light source100 which illuminates an image 504 having a region 616 of a differentcolor and/or density (e.g. color density) and/or light transmissivity.In some cases, the difference in color, density, or light transmissivityof the image region 616 may result in uneven illumination from imagefront face 556 when the entire image 504 is evenly backlit through imagerear face 524. In the illustrated example, light guide light emittingface 112 has light emitting locations 114 positioned to enhance theillumination of image region 616 so that a person viewing the imagefront face 556 views a generally evenly illuminated image, or optionallyan enhanced illumination in one or more portions of the artwork. Asshown, light guide light emitting face 112 may have a greater density oflight emitting locations 114 aligned behind image region 616 thanelsewhere on light guide light emitting face 112. This can allow lightguide 108 to provide greater illumination to image region 616 so thatimage region 616 may appear brighter or, if image region 616 is a darkercolour than the rest of the artwork, then to enable image region to,e.g., have about the same level or illumination.

Variable Reflection

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, reflector 132 mayprovide different levels of reflection to thereby provide more lightand/or different coloured lights in one or more regions.

FIG. 144 exemplifies another embodiment including an LED light source100 which illuminates an image 504 having a region 616 of a differentcolor, density, and/or light transmissivity. As shown, reflector 132 mayinclude a reflector region 620, which is aligned with the image region616. Reflector region 620 differs from the remainder of reflector 132 inthat it is configured to reflect or emit (e.g. photoluminescently) lighthaving a different color. For example, reflector region 620 may becolored, include (e.g. overlaid by) a filter material, or include (e.g.overlaid by) a photoluminescent material (e.g. fluorescent orphosphorescent material). For example, reflector region 620 may compriseUV or fluorescent paint. The color of light reflected or emitted byreflector region 620 may correspond with or compliment the color ofimage region 616. This can help improve the color (e.g. color saturationor color accuracy) of image region 616 when backlit by LED light source100.

Variable Thickness of the Light Guide

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the thickness of thelight guide may be varied so as to adjust the level of illuminationemitted by one or more portions of the light guide.

FIG. 145-146 exemplify a light guide 108 having a thickness 160. Asshown in FIG. 145, thickness 160 may be substantially constant along adimension (such as longitudinal length 152 as shown, or transversewidth) of light guide 108. FIG. 146 exemplifies an embodiment in whichthickness 160 varies along a dimension (such as longitudinal length 152as shown, or transverse width) of light guide 108. In the illustratedexample, light guide thickness 160 decreases from the illuminated lightguide end faces 144 and 148 to light guide longitudinal middle 612. Thevariation in thickness can be used as an alternative to or in additionto variation in light emitting location density to control the level ofillumination emitted from light guide light emitting face 112, such asto attain generally even illumination emitted across light emitting face112. In other embodiments, light guide thickness 160 may increase ordecrease in a different manner, such as increasing from longitudinal endfaces 144 and 148 to light guide longitudinal middle 612 or decreasingfrom an illuminated light guide end face 144 to a non-illuminated lightguide end face 148.

Double Sided Frames

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, frame 500 may be“double-sided” in that it provides support for two artworks 504 withinframe inner opening 512 (see for example FIG. 147). As exemplified, theartwork rear faces 524 face each other, and the artwork front faces 556face outwardly in opposite directions. An LED light source 100 may bepositioned between artwork rear faces 524 to provide backlighting toboth artworks 504. An advantage of this design is that it provides acompact arrangement for displaying two backlit artworks 504 (e.g. ascompared with two separate frames 500 each containing one artwork 504).

As shown in FIG. 148, frame 500 may include first and second artworkretention slots 588 ₁ and 588 ₂ which hold peripheral portions 580 ₁ and580 ₂ of first and second artworks 504 ₁ and 504 ₂ respectively. Forexample, frame side panels 508 may include first and second artworkretention slots 588 ₁ and 588 ₂ which face inwardly from proximate thefirst and second sides 624 ₁ and 624 ₂ of frame side panels 508.

Double Sided Light Guide

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a light guide may havemore than one light emitting face 112. Therefore, a planar light guidemay have opposed front and rear light emitting surfaces, As exemplifiedin FIG. 149, LED light source 100 may include one or more light guides108 including dual light emitting faces 112 and 128 which emit light inopposite directions towards artwork rear faces 524 ₁ and 524 ₂ ofartworks 504 ₁ and 504 ₂ respectively. As shown, both light emittingfaces 112 and 128 may include light emitting locations 114. Accordingly,LED light source 100 may not include a reflector 132 positioned toreflect light emitted from either of light emitting faces 112 and 128.As shown, light emitting faces 112 and 128 are spaced apart from theartwork rear face 524 ₁ or 524 ₂ they illuminate respectively.

In some embodiments, the light emitting locations 114 ₁ on light guidelight emitting face 112 be the same or identical to the light emittinglocations 114 ₂ on light guide light emitting face 128. An advantage ofthis design is that substantially identical backlighting may be providedto both of artwork 504 ₁ and 504 ₂ from the light guide 108. In theillustrated embodiment, the light emitting locations 114 ₁ on lightguide light emitting face 112 differ from the light emitting locations114 ₂ on light guide light emitting face 128. An advantage of thisdesign is that it allows dissimilar artwork 504 ₁ and 504 ₂ to beprovided with different backlighting (e.g. so that a person viewing theartwork front faces 556 ₁ and 556 ₂ views generally evenly illuminatedartwork). The differences in the light emitting locations 114 may be oneof pattern (e.g. location density), type (e.g. discontinuities vs. lightscattering material vs. photoluminescent spots), size or shape, color,or combinations thereof.

Alternate Modes of Operation

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, frame 500 may includean LED light source that can be operated to emit light in a selected oneof a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes may differ by color(e.g. select activation of LEDs of certain colors), level ofillumination (e.g. power to the LEDs), region of illumination (e.g.select illumination of a subset of light guides), sequence ofillumination, duration of illumination of a region or combinationsthereof.

FIG. 152 is a schematic illustration of a circuit 628 of LED lightsource 100 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, circuit 628 mayinclude a controller 632 that receives input from one or more userinputs 636, and/or one or more sensors 640 (also seen in FIG. 109), andin response directs the mode of operation of LEDs 164. An advantage ofthis design is that it allows LEDs 164 to operate responsive toenvironmental conditions or user inputs, which can result in betterpower efficiency or better user experience.

Controller 632 can be any device suitable for directing the mode of LEDs164 responsive to input from user inputs 636 and/or sensors 640. Forexample, controller 632 may include a processor or microcontroller, ormay be an integrated circuit, or a logical arrangement of conductors(e.g. wires) and other components (e.g. logic gates, transistors, etc.)that can perform the functionality described herein. Sensor 640 may be amotion sensor, or it may detect levels of sound, illumination in a roomor the sound of voices,

In some embodiments, controller 632 is operable to change the level ofillumination produced by LED(s) 164 in response to inputs from one ormore sensor(s) 640 and/or user input(s) 636. For example, controller 632may be operable to vary the power delivered from the energy storagemember 460 to the LED(s) 164. The power may be varied by voltage (e.g.reducing the voltage to reduce the level of illumination) or by varyingthe pulse width modulation (e.g. reducing the duty cycle to reduce thelevel of illumination). As an example, FIGS. 153A and 153B exemplify apower supply circuit 628 that can be toggled between a first mode inwhich batteries 460 can are connected in parallel (FIG. 153A) and asecond mode in which batteries 460 are connected in series (FIG. 153B),in response to input from sensor(s) 640. In the series connection (FIG.153B), the LEDs 164 receive greater voltage and therefore generategreater illumination than in the parallel connection (FIG. 153A). Powersupply circuit 628 can be toggled between the parallel and seriesconnection configurations by moving a switch 630 in response to inputfrom sensor(s) (or by manual operation) between a first position (FIG.153A) and a second position (FIG. 153B).

Returning to FIGS. 109 and 152, sensor 640 can be any device that candetect an environmental condition. For example, sensor 640 may be apresence sensor, such as a sound sensor, heat sensor or a motion sensor.An advantage of this design is that it can allow controller 632 tooperate LEDs 164 in a different mode (e.g. at an increased level ofillumination or by turning the light source on) when sensor 640indicates nearby human presence (e.g. detects motion or sound indicativeof human presence). In the context of an artwork frame 500, this canprovide greater power efficiency where, for example controller 632increases the level of illumination of LEDs 164 when a person is nearbyto view the artwork 504, and decreases the level of illumination of LEDs164 (and thus conserving energy) when no one is detected nearby.

Alternatively or in addition, sensor(s) 640 may include a light sensorthat can detect ambient light. For example, sensor 640 may sense theintensity and color of light shining on frame 500 (and artwork 504 byextension). In the context of artwork frame 500, this can providegreater visibility and color accuracy to artwork 504 where, for examplecontroller 632 changes the level of illumination and color of LEDs 164to compliment the sensed intensity and color of light shining on frame500. Variations in light intensity and color may be especially prevalentwhere frame 500 is exposed to natural daylight.

User input 636 may be any device suitable for sensing manual userinteraction. For example, user input 636 may include a switch such as abutton (e.g. mechanical, resistive, or capacitive button), or slider forexample. In some embodiments, user input 636 may be operativelyconnected to energy storage member 460 (or another power supply), andmovable between a first position in which the energy storage member 460is in a first power mode (e.g. series connected batteries) and a secondposition in which the energy storage member 460 is in a second powermode (e.g. parallel connected batteries).

Referring to FIG. 154, frame 500 can include any number of sensors 640.For example, frame 500 is shown including four spaced apart sensors 640.Sensors 640 can be positioned anywhere on frame 500. For example,sensors 640 may positioned at different frame corner member 540.Referring to FIGS. 152 and 154, sensors 640 may be light sensors thatprovide input to controller 632. In response, controller 632 may directthe mode of LEDs 164. For example, where frame 500 includes a pluralityof light guides 108 (see, e.g. FIG. 139), controller 632 may separatelycontrol power to the LEDs 164 illuminating those different light guides108 in accordance with input from sensors 640 proximate those lightguides 108. As an example, if sunlight is shining on the top half ofartwork 504 (and thus detected by the upper two sensors 640), controller632 may direct the LEDs 164 for the light guides that illuminate the tophalf of artwork 504 to reduce their level of illumination (e.g. byreducing the power level to those LEDs 164).

Meltable Electrically Conductive Member

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the LEDs may beprovided in a circuit such that if one LED were to fail, the remainingLEDs may continue to operate. As exemplified in FIG. 155, each LED 164(or grouping of LEDs 164) may be electrically connected in parallel withenergy storage member 460 (or other power source). An advantage of thisdesign is that it allows electrical power to pass through each LED 164independently of the other parallel connected LEDs 164. For example, ifone LED 164 was to fail, an interruption of electrical power across thisfailed LED 164 would not interrupt the flow of electrical power acrossthe other parallel connected LEDs 164.

In the illustrated embodiment, each LED 164 is electrically connected tothe circuit by a meltable electrically conductive member 644. Anadvantage of this design is that it can allow the LED 164 to beautomatically electrically disconnected if the LED 164 fails in a waythat causes the LED 164 to generate heat (e.g. due to electricalresistance of the failed LED 164). This can help prevent the failed LED164 from causing heat damage to the remainder of the circuit 628, orworse causing a fire. Further, this can eliminate further powerconsumption by a failed LED 164.

Meltable electrically conductive member 644 can be any electricallyconductive device that melts at a temperature corresponding to atemperature of a failed LED 164 receiving the rated current of that LED164. For example, meltable electrically conductive member 644 may meltat a temperature above 80° C. In some examples, meltable electricallyconductive member 644 may include fuse wire.

Shelving Unit or Drawer or Wall Panel or Ceiling Tile

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light source may beincorporated into part of a shelving unit, drawer, wall panel or ceilingtile. The light source may use any one or more features disclosedherein.

As exemplified in FIG. 156, a shelving unit 652 (e.g. kitchen cabinet)includes an LED light source 100. As exemplified, LED light source 100may be incorporated into a shelf 656 to provide lighting above, below,or both above and below the shelf 656. In the illustrated embodiment,shelf 656 includes a light guide 108 extending horizontally within aninterior of the shelf 656 and having light emitting locations 114 onboth an upper surface 112, and a lower surface 128. An advantage of thisdesign is that LED light source 100 can provide illumination both aboveand below shelf 656.

In some embodiments, LED light source 100 defines an exterior surface ofshelf 656. For example, LED light source 100 may include an upperdiffuser 136 ₁ defining an upper surface 660 of shelf 656, and a lowerdiffuser 136 ₂ defining a lower surface 664 of shelf 656. As shown inFIG. 157, LED light source 100 may include LEDs 164 positioned within aninterior of shelf 656 and oriented to illuminate light guide end face144. FIG. 158 shows an example in which shelf 656 includes a recess 140for receiving a removable cartridge 116 bearing LEDs 164. In theillustrated example, recess 140 has an insertion opening 184 in shelflower surface 664 for upwardly inserting cartridge 116 into recess 140.In other embodiments, recess 140 may have a recess in shelf uppersurface 660 or another shelf surface for inserting cartridge 116downwardly or horizontally for example.

As exemplified in FIGS. 156, 159 and 160, shelving unit 652 may includea door 668 that is movable (e.g. sliding or hinged) between a closedposition (FIG. 159) and an open position (FIG. 160). Moving door 668from the closed position to the open position may activate LED lightsource 100 (e.g. cause LED light source 100 to illuminate). For example,shelving unit 652 may include a sensor 672 (e.g. push switch, opticalencoder, infrared movement sensor, light sensor, etc.) that detects whendoor 668 is moved to the open position, and in response activates LEDlight source 100. An advantage of this design is that it can allow LEDlight source 100 to reduce or cease consuming power when shelving unitdoor 668 is closed. As a result, electrical power consumption isreduced, and the time to failure for the LEDs of LED light source 100may be extended.

In the illustrated example, sensor 672 is a push switch that disconnectsLED light source 100 from power source 126 (which may be a power cord552 or energy storage member 460) when door 668 is in the closedposition, and that reconnects LED light source 100 to power source 126when door 668 is in the open position. FIGS. 161 and 162 show anotherexample including an energy storage member 460 (e.g. batteries) as thepower source that sensor 672 disconnects and reconnects to LED lightsource as shelving unit door 668 is closed and opened. An advantage ofthis design is that an electrical connection to mains power is notrequired allowing simpler installation, and reduced energy consumptionprovides prolonged battery life.

FIGS. 163 and 164 illustrate an example in which shelving unit shelf 656is removable from shelving unit 652. An advantage of this design is thatit can allow shelf 656 to be sold independently (e.g. in standard shelfsizes) and easily inserted (e.g. retrofitted) into a shelving unit thatdid not before have such lighting functionality. Embodiments of shelf656 including an internal energy storage member 460 (FIG. 161) as apower source can make installation and shelf height adjustment verysimple by avoiding any issues related to external electrical wiring.

FIG. 165-167 show an example of an LED light source 100 incorporatedinto the lowermost shelf 656 of shelving unit 652. LED light source 100may illuminate in one direction (e.g. upwards or downwards) or in twodirections (e.g. upwards and downwards). In the illustrated embodiment,LED light source 100 includes an upper diffuser 136, which may defineshelf upper surface 660, and a lower reflector 132, such that LED lightsource 100 emits light upwardly into the interior of shelving unit 652and not downwardly. FIGS. 168-169 exemplify another embodiment, in whichdiffuser 136 and reflector 132 are reversed so that LED light source 100emits lights downwardly (e.g. onto a kitchen counter below). As shown,LED light source 100 may be recessed from a lower end of shelving unit652, which may be formed by under-cabinet molding 684 as shown. Anadvantage of this design is that it can help focus the light downwardly,which can mitigate shining light directly towards user's eyes. In stillother embodiments, reflector 132 is replaced by a diffuser 136 so thatLED light source 100 emits light both upwardly and downwardly.

As exemplified in FIGS. 170-171, any portion of shelving unit 652 mayincorporate an LED light source 100 which can be configured toilluminate inside and/or outside of shelving unit 652. In theillustrated example, shelving unit 652 includes a front face 676 formedby LED light source 100. Front face 676 may be part of under-cabinetmolding as shown or positioned elsewhere on shelving unit 652 (e.g. partof above-cabinet molding). As exemplified, light guide 108 may extendlaterally across front face 676 between a front diffuser 136 thatradiates light forwardly and a rear reflector 132.

As exemplified in FIG. 172, a plurality of LED light sources 100 mayshare a common power supply 688. An advantage of this design is thateach LED light source 100 is not required to have its own independentsource of power. In the illustrated example, a plurality of shelvingunits 652 are shown, each including at least one LED light source 100,and one common power supply 688 which is electrically connected to allof the LED light sources 100. Power supply 688 may be any devicesuitable for distributing power to the plurality of LED light sources100. For example, power supply 688 may include an energy storage member(e.g. batteries) and/or may be electrically connected to mains power.

In some embodiments, power supply 688 may be remotely controlled. Anadvantage of this design is that the electronics to control theplurality of LED light sources 100 may be centralized into one device,which can coordinate their operation. For example, power supply 688 mayreceive control signals by wire or wirelessly (e.g. over Bluetooth or byinfrared) from a control device such as a smartphone, a remote control,or a wall mounted control panel. The control signals may direct powersupply 688 to vary the illumination intensity or color of the LED lightsources 100 individually or as a group.

As exemplified in FIG. 173, a drawer 692 may include an LED light source100. LED light source 100 may be incorporated into any one or more ofthe bottom wall 696, or side walls 704 of drawer 692. An advantage ofthis design is that it can provide illumination into a drawer which maybe in shadow relative to the light source in the room. In theillustrated example, LED light source 100 includes a light guide 108(and optionally a front diffuser and rear reflector) incorporated intoeach of the four side walls 704.

As exemplified in FIGS. 174 and 175, a shelving unit 652 may include anLED light source 100 incorporated into the shelving unit doors 668. Anadvantage of this design is that it can provide additional illuminationto open drawers 692, to objects withdrawn from the shelving unit 652(e.g. clothing), and to the user using the objects withdrawn from theshelving unit 652 (e.g. the user trying on clothing). As shown, LEDlight source 100 emits light from an inside face 712 of shelving unitdoor 668. In the illustrated example, shelving unit 652 is shownincluding a shelving unit sensor 672 that can activate LED light source100 in response to sensing that shelving unit doors 668 are open.

As exemplified in FIGS. 176 and 177, the LED light source 100 shown mayform or be incorporated into a wall panel or ceiling tile. As shown, LEDlight source 100 includes a light guide 108 and diffuser 136 which areheld spaced apart by a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart spacers716. An advantage of this design is that spacers 716 can support loadsapplied to diffuser 136 (e.g. weight of a standing person) to holddiffuser 136 spaced apart from light guide light emitting face 112.

Spacers 716 may be integrally formed with light guide 108 as shown, ordiscrete components that are positioned between light emitting face 112and diffuser 136. In some embodiments, spacers 716 and diffuser 136 mayinclude mating mechanical or locking connectors 720. An advantage ofthis design is that it can make it easy to assemble diffuser 136 withspacers 716. In some embodiments, mechanical connectors 720 may beremovably connectable. This can allow diffuser 136 to be removed, suchas to access light guide 108 for repair or replacement. In theillustrated embodiment, mechanical connectors 720 include maleconnectors 720 ₁ which are securely receivable in female connectors 720₂.

In the illustrated embodiment, housing 104 surrounds light guide 108(including light emitting face 112) and diffuser 136. In someembodiments, housing 104 is sealed to diffuser 136 to inhibit thepassage of liquid and dirt. An advantage of this design is that it canallow LED light source 100 to be used outdoors. FIG. 176 shows anexample of LED light source 100 having a reflector 132 and one lightemitting face 112. FIG. 177 shows an example of LED light source 100having no reflector and two light emitting faces 112 and 128. As shownin FIG. 177, spacers 716 may be spaced apart and longitudinallydistributed between light emitting face 112 and diffuser 136 ₁, andbetween light emitting face 128 and diffuser 136 ₂.

Floor Tile, Window Frame, Stair Case and Closet, Floor Mat

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light source may beincorporated into part or all of a floor tile or window frame or s staircase or closet or floor tile. The light source may use any one or morefeatures disclosed herein.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 178-179. As shown, LED light source 100(e.g. as shown and described with respect to FIG. 176) may be formed asor incorporated into a floor tile 722 for an indoor or outdoor walkway728. In the illustrated example, walkway 728 includes a plurality offloor tiles 722 incorporating LED light source 100, and a plurality oftraditional floor tiles 724 (e.g. absent any lighting function).

In some embodiments, floor tile 722 may include a mounting member 732that helps to join the floor tile 722 to adjacent floor tiles 722 or724, and/or to the mounting substrate (e.g. dirt, gravel, or mortar). Asshown, floor tile 722 may include one or more fasteners 736 that joindiffuser 136 to housing 104, and which can be selectively released toremove diffuser 136, such as to access light guide 108 or othercomponents of LED light source 100 within housing 104. Floor tiles 722may be powered in any manner disclosed herein. In the illustratedembodiment, floor tiles 722 are electrically connected to each other,and receive electrical power from a solar panel 476.

As exemplified in FIGS. 180-182 window frame 744 is similar to frame 500shown and described elsewhere in the application, except for examplethat window frame 744 holds a window pane 748 instead of artwork and abacking layer. As shown, window frame 744 includes frame side panels 508that surround a frame inner opening 512 and hold a window pane 748. LEDlight source 100 may be incorporated into any one or more (or all) offrame side panels 508. Window frame 744 may be powered in any mannerdisclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, window frame 744includes solar panels 476 that are electrically connected to LED lightsource 100 for providing power to the same. Window frame 744 may be partof any structure, such as a garage door 752 as shown, or a fixedbuilding structure (e.g. a wall).

As exemplified in FIGS. 183-184, doorway 756 may include a door 760 anda door frame 764. As shown, door frame 764 may include an LED lightsource 100. An advantage of this design is that door frame 764 canprovide illumination to the area near door frame 764. For example, doorframe 764 may provide some initial illumination to a dark room on theopposite side of door 760, which can make finding and activating a lightswitch for the dark room easier and safer. Door frame 764 includes oneor more frame side panels 508 which collectively define a frame inneropening 512 for door 760. In the illustrated example, door frame 764includes two vertical frame side panels 508 ₁ connected at their upperends 768 by a horizontal frame side panel 580 ₂.

LED light source 100 may form or be incorporated into any one or more offrame side panels 508, which can provide illumination in anydirection(s). For example, LED light source 100 may provide illuminationthrough any one or more (or all) of the front face 772, outer face 776,and inner face 780 of frame side panel 508. In the illustratedembodiment, LED light source 100 includes a light guide 108 having alight guide light emitting face 112 oriented to emit light inwardlytowards a diffuser 136 which defines frame side panel inner face 772,which borders frame inner opening 512.

As exemplified in FIGS. 185-186, a staircase 784 in accordance isprovided. As shown, staircase 784 may include an LED light source 100.For example, LED light source 100 may form or be incorporated into anyone or more (or all) of stair risers 788 and stair treads 792 ofstaircase 784. An advantage of this design is that it can provideillumination (e.g. at night) for a user climbing or descending staircase784. In the illustrated example, LED light source 100 includes a lightguide 108 having a light guide light emitting face 112 oriented to emitlight forwardly towards a diffuser 136 which defines riser front surface796.

As exemplified in FIG. 187, closet 804, closet 804 may include a shelf656 formed by or incorporating an LED light source 100. An advantage ofthis design is that shelf 656 can provide illumination to an interior ofcloset 804, which may be shadowed from the light source in the room whenaccessed by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, shelf 656 ispositioned above (i.e. at a higher elevation) than closet rod 808. Shelf656 may be mounted in positioned to one or more (or all) of closet rearwall 812 and closet side walls 816.

As exemplified in FIG. 188, closet 804 may include an illuminated closetrod 808. Closet rod 808 may be formed by or incorporate an LED lightsource 100 as shown. For example, light guide 108 may be formed as arod. An advantage of this design is that it provides a light emittingface 112 facing many or all directions at once (e.g. 360 degreecoverage). In the illustrated embodiment, light guide 108 is formed inthe shape of a cylindrical rod having a circularly curved light emittingface 112. In other embodiments, light guide 108 may be formed in theshape of a rod having a different cross-section, such as triangular,rectangular, or another regular or irregular cross-sectional shape. Asshown, diffuser 136 may be shaped as a hollow tube which surrounds lightguide 108. Similar to light guide 108, diffuser 136 may have anycross-sectional shape, such as a circular, triangular, rectangular, orother regular or irregular cross-sectional shape.

As exemplified in FIGS. 189-191, floor mat 820 may include an LED lightsource 100 that shines light upwardly, and a power supply 688 thatsupplies power to the LED light source 100. An advantage of this designis that floor mat 820 can provide visibility to a user walking over ornear the floor mat 820, such as in a dark bathroom or hallway at night.As shown, diffuser 136 may have an outer surface 824 that provides asupporting surface for a user to walk over.

In some embodiments, floor mat 820 may be flexible. For example, floormat 820 may be at least sufficiently flexible to roll into a tubularconfiguration. An advantage of this design is that it can allow floormat 820 to take on a more compact configuration for easier shipping orstorage. As shown, light guide 108 may be composed of a thin flexiblematerial such as polycarbonate having a thickness of 0.0625 in to 0.125in.

Diffuser

In some embodiments, diffuser 136 may include a plurality of discreteprojections 828 from light guide 108. Diffuser projections 828 may bearranged side-by-side overlaying light guide 108 according to anypattern. In the illustrated example, diffuser projections 828 arearranged in a grid pattern. Diffuser 136 can include any number ofprojections 828. For example, diffuser 136 may include 10 or moreprojections 828. In the illustrated embodiment, diffuser 136 includes 65projections. As shown, diffuser projections 828 may angle away from eachother when floor mat 820 is rolled into a tubular configuration. Anadvantage of this design is that it reduces tensile stress on thediffuser 136 when floor mat 820 is rolled.

Diffuser projections 828 can be made of any material suitable forwalking over. In some embodiments, projections 828 are made of anelastomeric material, such as silicone. An advantage of this design isthat it may be more comfortable for walking over, and may be able toresiliently accommodate deformations (e.g. stretching) caused by rollingfloor mat 820.

Food Container

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light source may beincorporated into a food container.

Reference is now made to FIG. 192, which shows a food container 832supported on a supporting member 836. Food container 832 may be anyarticle made to support food or drink, such as a cup, a bowl, or a platefor example. Supporting member 836 may be any article made to supportfood container 832, such as a counter tabletop, a serving tray, or acoaster. As shown, supporting member 836 may be formed by or incorporatean LED light source 100 that shines light towards food container 832.Further, food container 832 may function as a light guide, beingcomposed of at least translucent material which conducts light from LEDlight source 100 through internal reflection, and including lightemitting locations 114 associated with an exterior light emitting face112 which shines light outwardly. An advantage of this design is that itallows food container 832 to shine light without having to incorporate alight source (e.g. LEDs 164) into the food container 832. Instead, LEDlight source 100 is incorporated into supporting member 836, which canallow food container 832 to be made dishwasher safe for example.

Art Display

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light source may beincorporated into an art supply.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 193-194, which show an art display 840which illuminates a supported artwork 844. Artwork 844 may be athree-dimensional artwork, such as a statue, a figurine, a trophy, aframed image, or any other object a user may wish to display andilluminate. As shown, art display 840 may include a base 848 formed byor incorporating an LED light source 100 ₁ and an overhead LED lightsource 100 ₂. The base 848 includes an upper surface 852 that supportsartwork 844. An advantage of this design is that it can illuminate anartwork 844 from multiple directions. LED light source 100 ₁ may shinelight upwardly from base upper surface 852 to illuminate artwork 844from below. LED light source 100 ₂ may shine light downwardly toilluminate artwork 844 from above.

Furniture

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light source may beincorporated into a furniture.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 195-196 which show furniture 856 inaccordance with an embodiment. Furniture 856 may be any type offurniture, such as a chair as shown, a stool, a couch, a table (FIG.198-199), a desk, or a bed for example. Furniture 856 can incorporate anLED light source 100 to provide illumination from one or more furnitureportions 860. An advantage of this design is that it can improve thevisibility of the furniture 856 and/or the furniture surroundings, suchas in the dark or low lighting conditions. Chair 856 includes a seat 864supported on legs 868, and a backrest 872 extending upwardly from seat864.

Any one or more of seat 864, legs 868, and backrest 872 may be anilluminated portion 860. In the illustrated embodiment, chair backrest872 is an illuminated portion 860. Chair backrest 872 includes anilluminated light guide 108. Light guide 108 may be configured toilluminate in any direction, such as forwardly towards a seated user asshown, rearwardly, or both. In the example shown, LED light source 100includes a diffuser 136 which forms a front surface 876 of chairbackrest 872, and light guide 108 extends in a plane parallel tobackrest front surface 876.

FIG. 197 shows another embodiment of chair 856 in which seat 864 isanother illuminated portion 860. As shown, chair seat 864 includes anilluminated light guide 108 ₂. Light guide 108 ₂ may be configured toilluminate in any direction, such as downwardly towards the ground asshown, upwardly towards a seated user, or both. In the example shown,LED light source 100 includes a diffuser 136 ₂ which forms a lowersurface 880 of chair seat 864, and light guide 108 ₂ extends in a planeparallel to seat lower surface 880.

FIGS. 198-199 show another example of furniture 856 incorporating an LEDlight source 100. In this example, furniture 856 is a table having legs868 and a tabletop 884. As shown, tabletop 884 may be an illuminatedportion 860 of table 856. In the example shown, tabletop 884 includes anilluminated light guide 108. Light guide 108 may be configured toilluminate in any direction, such as upwardly as shown, downwardlytowards the ground, or both. In the example shown, LED light source 100includes a diffuser 136 which forms an upper surface 888 of tabletop884, and light guide 108 extends in a plane parallel to tabletop uppersurface 888.

Returning to FIG. 195, LED light source 100 can be powered in anysuitable manner, including any manner disclosed herein. In theillustrated example, furniture 856 includes a solar panel 476 and anenergy storage member 460, which are electrically connected to LED lightsource 100 to supply power to the same. In some embodiments, solar panel476 may operate to charge energy storage member 460. In otherembodiments, solar panel 476 may supplement or replace energy storagemember 460 as the power source of LED light source 100 when there issufficient solar energy, and energy storage member 460 may be the solesupply of power to LED light source 100 when solar panel 476 generatesinsufficient power.

Solar panel 476 and energy storage member 460 may be attached to orincorporated into any portion of furniture 856. In the illustratedembodiment, solar panel 476 has a light collection face 892 positionedto form an upper surface 896 of chair backrest 872, and energy storagemember 460 is positioned within one of chair legs 868. An advantage ofthis design is that it avoids adding bulk to chair 856.

Bicycle and Helmut

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be usedwith one or more other aspects disclosed herein, the light source may beincorporated into a bicycle and/or a helmet.

As exemplified in FIGS. 200-201, bicycle 900 may include a frame 908,and a seat 912, wheels 916, and handlebars 920 mounted to frame 908. LEDlight source 100 may have a tubular configuration that can be mounted toany one or more of frame 908, seat 912, wheels 916, and handlebars 920to provide outward illumination. An advantage of this design is that itcan improve the visibility of bicycle 900 to motorists, which can makebicycle 900 safer to ride, especially at night.

In the illustrated example, LED light source 100 is mounted tohandlebars 920. As shown, LED light source 100 (including light guide108 and optionally a diffuser 136) may surround a portion of handlebars920 in cross-section, and have an outward light emitting direction 120.To facilitate mounting, LED light source 100 may include two or moreparts 924 which are movable (e.g. separable) to allow LED light source100 to open and enclose around handlebars 920. In the illustratedembodiment, LED light source 100 includes two parts 924 which areremovably connected by mechanical connectors 720, as shown. In otherembodiments, LED light source 100 may include three or more parts 924.Alternatively, LED light source 100 may have a single part 924 with aseam 928, and which is sufficiently resiliently flexible to allow theseam 928 to be temporarily widened enough to insert or remove handlebars920.

LED light source 100 can have a tubular shape that defines an inneropening 932 having any cross-sectional shape. For example, thecross-sectional shape of inner opening 932 may be circular as shown inFIG. 201, triangular, square, hexagonal, or another regular or irregularshape. FIGS. 202-203 illustrate an embodiment in which LED light source100 has an inner opening 932 with a substantially square shape toaccommodate a substantially square cross-section of bicycle frame 908.

LED light source 100 can be powered in any suitable manner, includingany manner disclosed herein. FIG. 201 illustrates an example includingan energy storage member 460. FIGS. 202-203 illustrate an exampleincluding an energy generating member 476. As shown, energy generatingmember 476 may be connected to rear wheel 916 to generate power from therotation of rear wheel 916. An advantage of this design is that it canprovide power to illuminate LED light source 100 whenever bicycle 900 isin motion, which may account for the most critical moments to haveillumination.

As exemplified in FIGS. 204-205, a helmet 934 may be any suitable typeof helmet, such as a bicycle helmet as shown, a motorcycle helmet, or aski helmet for example. Helmet 934 may include an LED light source 100which provides illumination to one or more illuminated portions 936. Anadvantage of this design is that it can provide helmet 934 with greatervisibility to others (e.g. motorists, skiers) which can provideadditional safety to the wearer. Depending on the light emittingdirection and brightness, LED light source 100 may also be effective forilluminating the wearer's surroundings for enhanced visibility by thewearer.

In the illustrated example, helmet 934 includes an illuminated portion936 at rear end 944. This can make helmet 934 highly visible to others(e.g. motorists) behind the wearer. As shown, a light guide 108 may beincorporated into helmet 934 with a rearward light emitting direction120.

Alternatively or in addition, helmet 934 may include an illuminationportion at front end 948. This can allow helmet 934 to illuminate theenvironment ahead of the wearer.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, itwill be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the describedembodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from thespirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments.Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to beillustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understoodby persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not belimited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be giventhe broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

1. A LED light source comprising: (a) a longitudinally extending lightguide having a first longitudinally extending light emitting face, thefirst light emitting face having a first end face, a longitudinallyspaced apart second end face, and first and second side faces extendingbetween the first and second end faces; (b) at least one LED provided atthe first end face; and, (c) a diffuser comprising a central panel thatis spaced from and facing the first light emitting face.
 2. The LEDlight source of claim 1 wherein the central panel of the diffuser ispositioned from 0.25 to 3 inches from the light emitting surface.
 3. TheLED light source of claim 1 wherein the diffuser is composed of at leastone of acrylic, polypropylene and polycarbonate, wherein the diffuser isat least translucent.
 4. The LED light source of claim 1 wherein thediffuser extends over the first and second side faces and the lightemitting face.
 5. The LED light source of claim 1 wherein the diffuseris white.
 6. The LED light source of claim 4 wherein the central panelhas a first end, a longitudinally spaced apart second end, and first andsecond sides each of which extends longitudinally between the first andsecond ends, and the diffuser further comprises a first side panelextending between the first and second ends the central panel andprovided on the first side of the central panel and a second side panelextending between the first and second ends the central panel andprovided on the second side of the central panel.
 7. The LED lightsource of claim 1 wherein the light guide has a second light emittingface spaced from and opposed to the first light emitting face and facingin a direction opposed to a direction that the first light emittingmember faces.
 8. The LED light source of claim 1 wherein the light guidehas a longitudinally extending rear face spaced from and opposed to thefirst light emitting face, and the LED light source further comprises areflector facing the rear face.
 9. The LED light source of claim 7wherein the reflector is spaced from the rear face.
 10. The LED lightsource of claim 7 wherein the reflector abuts the rear face.
 11. The LEDlight source of claim 7 wherein the reflector has a surface facing therear face, wherein the surface is provided with a white coating.
 12. TheLED light source of claim 11 wherein the white coating comprisestitanium dioxide.
 13. The LED light source of claim 7 further comprisingan image provided in front of the light emitting face, the image havingat least one portion that has one or more of a different colour or lighttransmissivity, wherein a surface of the reflector facing the lightguide has more than one colour and the colours are positioned to enhancethe image when viewed by a user.
 14. The LED light source of claim 13wherein a portion of the reflector has a colour selected to increase thevisibility of the portion of the image.
 15. The LED light source ofclaim 7 wherein the reflector has a surface facing the rear face,wherein the surface is provided with a UV paint or fluorescent paint.16. The LED light source of claim 1 wherein the at least one LED isoperable to selectively emit one or more colours of light.
 17. A LEDlight source comprising: (a) a longitudinally extending light guidehaving a first longitudinally extending light emitting face, alongitudinally extending rear face spaced from and opposed to the firstlight emitting face, the first light emitting face having a first endface, a longitudinally spaced apart second end face, and first andsecond side faces extending between the first and second end faces; (b)at least one LED provided at the first end face; and, (c) a reflectorfacing the rear face.
 18. The LED light source of claim 17 wherein thereflector is spaced from the rear face.
 19. The LED light source ofclaim 17 wherein the reflector abuts the rear face.
 20. The LED lightsource of claim 17 wherein the reflector has a surface facing the rearface, wherein the surface is provided with a white coating.
 21. The LEDlight source of claim 20 wherein the white coating comprises titaniumdioxide.
 22. The LED light source of claim 13 wherein the whitereflector has a surface facing the rear face, wherein the surface isprovided with a UV paint.
 23. The LED light source of claim 17 furthercomprising an image provided in front of the light emitting face, theimage having at least one portion that has one or more of a differentcolour or light transmissivity, wherein a surface of the reflectorfacing the light guide has more than one colour and the colours arepositioned to enhance the image when viewed by a user.
 24. The LED lightsource of claim 23 wherein a portion of the reflector has a colourselected to increase the visibility of the portion of the image.
 25. TheLED light source of claim 17 wherein the at least one LED is operable toselectively emit one or more colours of light.